ALOR SETAR: A day that was supposed to bring joy in anticipation of Hari Raya Aidiladha turned into a tragedy when three students from the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Jitra were killed in an accident at KM49.4 of the North-South Expressway, heading south from Alor Setar, on Thursday (June 5), Sinar Harian reports.
The Malay language daily reported that in the 2,10pm incident, all the victims were on two motorcycles, travelling back to their respective hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha.
All the victims, aged 19, are believed to have collided with an multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) before the fatal accident occurred.
The deceased have been identified as Muhamad Habil Mohd Sobri from Gurun; Muhammad Fahmi Jam from Jeniang, Sik; and Muhamad Arif Aifan Derani from Bukit Selambau, Sungai Petani.
Another friend sustained serious injuries due to the collision.
Sinar Harian reported that the bodies of all three victims have been sent to the Forensic Department of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) here for further action.
The driver of the car has also been detained to assist in the investigation regarding the fatal accident.
Kota Setar OCPD Asst Comm Siti Noor Salawati Saad told Sinar Harian that initial investigations revealed the accident occurred when a motorcycle lost control and crashed into the rear of the car, which had stopped in the emergency lane.
At the same time, another motorcycle, coming from behind, failed to avoid the collision and hit the motorcycle in front, resulting in a serious crash.
"As a result of the incident, two riders and a pillion rider died at the scene.
"Another passenger was seriously injured and is now receiving treatment at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB)," ACP Siti Noor Salawati said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
