IPOH: Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim visited the Gerik bus accident victims' families at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital here to offer their condolences.
Their Royal Highnesses arrived at the hospital mortuary at about 5.56pm and were accompanied by state officials, including Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff.
Tuanku Zara is also the UPSI Chancellor.
In a statement issued via the Sultan's office, Their Majesties expressed profound sorrow over the horrific incident, which claimed 15 lives in a crash at KM53 of the East-West Highway in Gerik, early Monday (June 9) morning.
While acknowledging that life and death are determined by divine will, Sultan Nazrin said God always urge the people to take all necessary efforts to protect themselves from danger and disaster.
"With the increasing frequency of fatal road accidents in recent times, more preventive measures can and need to be taken.
"All relevant authorities to take this tragedy as a lesson, identify any existing shortcomings and implement improvements to prevent similar tragedies from recurring," he added.
The royal couple also extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the grieving parents and family members who have lost their beloved children and loved ones at such a young age and in such a heartbreaking manner.