Pillion rider killed in accident with MPV near Tawau

KOTA KINABALU: A 70-year-old pillion rider was killed on the spot when the motorcycle he was on was involved in an accident with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in Tawau on Wednesday (June 5).

The 15-year-old boy who rode the motorcycle sustained injuries while the driver of the other vehicle and a passenger were not hurt, said Tawau district police chief Asst Comm Jasmin Hussin.

He said in a statement that the police received information of the fatal accident at Kilometre 7 of Jalan Tawau – Semporna at 4.07pm and added that both vehicles were travelling along a stretch of road with separate lanes going in the same direction.

"The investigation found that the accident occurred around 3.55pm; prior to that, a 45-year-old man was driving the MPV with a passenger on board," said ACP Jasmin.

He added that the MPV was coming from Tawau Airport and was heading to the city.

“The motorcyclist and his passenger were headed towards Kampung Blok 31 Jalan Apas. Upon reaching the stretch mentioned, the motorcyclist suddenly changed its course and entered the lane on the right," said ACP Jasmin.

He added that the MPV driver could not avoid colliding with the motorcycle and ended up swerving to the left side of the road due to the impact, where the motorcycle was also dragged to the left side of the road.

“The motorcyclist was hurt while the elderly pillion rider died on the scene due to severe injuries as well as losing a limb (right leg),” said ACP Jasmin.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.