PETALING JAYA: There is no evidence that suggests mechanical failure is the cause of the bus crash near Gerik, Perak, on Monday that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, reveals a preliminary Puspakom report.
The preliminary technical report revealed that physical inspections on the brakes, brake lining and brake drums were in satisfactory condition, with no signs of excessive wear.
The chartered bus overturned after colliding with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the East-West Highway, leaving 33 others injured, including the bus driver, his assistant, as well as the family of four in the MPV.
The bus driver, who has since been charged in court, previously claimed that the bus suffered brake failure during the incident.
The technical report which was released yesterday also stated that inspections on the air compressor tank also did not detect any leakages.
It said the tyres were also found to be in satisfactory condition and complied with Road Transport Department specifications.
Additionally, the steering and suspensions were also found to be in satisfactory condition.
“However, the leaf spring and shock absorbers misaligned from their original positions, possibly due to the accident,” it said.
Based on observations and technical findings, the report said there was no evidence that mechanical system failure caused the accident.
“There is a high chance it resulted from factors like road conditions, human factors and more,” read the report that was prepared based on information from vehicle inspection checks before the accident, and also the condition of wreckage, focusing on the brake, steering and suspension systems, and tyres.
The bus passed its inspection at Puspakom’s branch in Kota Baru, Kelantan, on April 13 with its next inspection scheduled for Oct 21.
The bus, which has been inspected 24 times since 2013, had failed checks twice – once in 2015 and another in 2023.
In a statement, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the necessary improvement measures would be considered and implemented once the final report was received.
“The safety of road users is our priority. The ministry conveys its condolences to the victims’ families and expresses its commitment to ensure justice is served while ensuring such tragedies do not repeat,” he said yesterday.
Meanwhile, seven injured victims of the crash are still undergoing treatment in government hospitals.
Acting Gerik police chief DSP Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah said four of them were UPSI students, with two of them at Hospital Taiping and the other two at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun here.
“The other three, comprising a woman and two children, are passengers in the MPV.
“They are receiving treatment at Hospital Baling in Kedah,” he said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.
The bus carrying 42 UPSI students was travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university’s main campus at Tanjung Malim, Perak, when it collided with the MPV at KM53 of the East-West Highway.
Thirteen students died at the scene, while two others were pronounced dead at the hospital.
