Adib was not pulled out of van, says forensic expert

SHAH ALAM: A forensic expert dismissed the possibility of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim having been pulled out of the Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) Unit van during the fracas at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in USJ 25 here on Nov 27 last year.

Dr Ahmad Hafizam Hasmi, 40, from Kuala Lumpur Hospital, said that based on his assessment of the 46-second video recording of the incident that was submitted to the court, Muhammad Adib was still in the van during the first 28 seconds.

Had Muhammad Adib been pulled out of the van, the one pulling him had to grip a part of the firefighter’s body, he said, adding that during clinical examination and post-mortem, there were no signs of bruises to match grip marks on the body.

“If the act was done from the back, he could have still defended himself, taking into account his tough body and training as a fireman,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Hafizam was being questioned by lawyer Syazlin Mansor, representing the Housing and Local Government Ministry, during the inquest to determine the cause of Muhammad Adib’s death.

Dr Ahmad Hafizam maintained his theory that Muhammad Adib was not pulled out of the EMRS van even when Syazlin pointed out to him that the firefighter was still in the van when the Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) truck reversed into it.

“The theory is based on the pattern of injuries on the deceased, not when he was in the EMRS van.

“The deceased sustained the injuries when he was out of the EMRS van,” he added.

The hearing before coroner Rofiah Mohamad continues. — Bernama