KOTA KINABALU: Two people were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in plunged into the sea in the Lahad Datu district late Saturday (March 2).
It is learnt that prior to the mishap, both victims namely a 26-year-old identified as Edwin and his father-in-law Chan Wai Hou, 65, were allegedly involved in a heated quarrel.
Lahad Datu deputy police chief Supt Jimmy Panyau said that according to Edwin's relative who was at the Payang fish breeding pond when the incident occurred, Edwin wanted to send Chan home first and then return to pick up several other relatives who were there.
However, after Edwin and Chan entered the vehicle, it drove straight into the sea, he said in a statement on Sunday (March 3).
Supt Jimmy said both bodies were later retrieved by rescuers.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Hamsa Isnurdini said they received a call about the mishap at 10.50pm.
A team of rescuers were sent to the location and the aid of a diving and boating company were also obtained to conduct an underwater search.
"The first victim was found at 12.06am together with the car. He said the second body was retrieved at 1.31am.
"Both victims were declared dead at the scene," he said, adding that the bodies were handed over to the police for further action.
The operation ended at 1.58am and investigations into the cause of the accident are being conducted by the police.
