KOTA KINABALU: A man’s attempt to save his family members ended in tragedy when he and his sister-in-law were swept away by strong currents at a river near a camping lodge in Mandalipau, Papar, on Tuesday (Mar 31).
“In the incident, which occurred around 10am, the male victim attempted to save his wife, who was drowning at the time.
“However, he is believed to have exhausted himself after successfully rescuing his wife,” said Papar OCPD Supt Heryan Mohd Tahir.
Supt Heryan said initial investigations found that five people were bathing in the river before being swept away by the current. Three were successfully rescued.
An 18-year-old man and his 15-year-old sister-in-law were confirmed dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Papar Fire and Rescue Station chief Asst Fire Supt Rozlan Osman said firefighters were dispatched to the location after receiving a distress call at 10.10am.
Upon arrival, they found that villagers had already recovered the bodies.
The bodies of both victims were taken to Papar Hospital for further action.
