KOTA KINABALU: A dangerous overtaking manoeuvre by an express bus driver led to a multi-vehicle collision that left five people, including the driver himself, injured along KM15 of Jalan Ranau-Tamparuli late Friday (July 11) night.
The incident occurred around 10pm when the bus, carrying 22 passengers along with a conductor, was en route to Semporna from here.
Ranau OCPD Supt Mursalin Mahmud said the 65-year-old driver was believed to be speeding when he attempted to overtake on a double line and sideswiped a car driven by a 30-year-old man.
The bus then slammed into the rear of another vehicle driven by a 51-year-old man, which was pushed forward into a trailer in front.
“Five people were injured, comprising the bus driver, three passengers onboard the bus, and one of the drivers from other vehicles. All were taken to Ranau Hospital for treatment,” Mursalin said.
Two other drivers, of a small compact car and a trailer, were unharmed.
Blood and urine samples were taken from the bus driver to check for alcohol or drug use.
Police also found he had three unpaid traffic summonses.
The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving causing an accident.
Fire and Rescue personnel from Ranau responded to the scene to assist with rescue operations.
Dashcam footage of the incident, including clips of the bus entering the wrong lane and narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic near the Kundasang Roundabout, has gone viral on social media.
