SUNGAI PETANI: An application to remand the lorry driver involved in the crash that claimed six lives in Kampung Baru Pinang Tunggal on Sunday was rejected by the Magistrate's Court here.
The remand application was dismissed by magistrate Mohamad Azlan Basri against the 49-year-old driver, who was arrested shortly after the accident.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Kedah police chief Datuk Comm Adzli Abu Shah had earlier revealed that a preliminary urine screening conducted on the driver returned negative for drugs.
However, police checks found that the driver had seven traffic summonses on record, four of which remain outstanding.
"Nevertheless, he possesses a valid driving licence and the lorry was travelling at only 60km per hour at the time of the incident," he said.
Comm Adzli said police are investigating all aspects of the case to determine the exact cause of the crash that claimed six lives.
The sport utility vehicle (SUV) carrying the six victims was a newly purchased vehicle that had been collected from a sales centre just hours before the tragedy.
He added that a comprehensive inspection is also being carried out, including checks involving the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom).
In the incident, the SUV was travelling from Pinang Tunggal towards Bandar Sungai Petani when it reportedly collided head-on with a lorry carrying a load of earth travelling from the opposite direction.
The collision resulted in the deaths of six occupants, while a three-year-old girl sustained serious injuries.
