A routine bus ride back to campus ended in heartbreak when 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students were killed in a collision involving a bus and a Perodua Alza along the East-West Highway early this morning.
Crash happened en route to campus
The UPSI bus was travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu, and heading to the university’s main campus when the accident took place along Jalan Raya Timur Barat (East-West Highway).
According to Kosmo!, the Civil Defence Force (APM) reported receiving an emergency call about the incident at 1.10am.
Upon arriving at the scene at around 2.11am, APM personnel found that the bus had overturned following a collision with the Alza.
Video from witness were shared online:
13 died at the scene, 2 more in hospital
It was confirmed that 13 students died at the scene, while two more passed away on the way to the hospital, bringing the total death toll to 15. The Fire and Rescue Department, along with the Civil Defence Force, were on-site to carry out emergency support and recovery.
Further reports revealed that the bus was carrying at least 44 students and four others believed to be staff and the driver. A total of 33 people were injured and sent to the hospital for treatment.
Seven victims are reportedly in critical condition and are being treated in the red zone, while 20 others suffered moderate injuries and are in the yellow zone. Six more are in the green zone with minor injuries.
UPSI confirms student deaths
In a statement following the tragedy, a UPSI spokesperson confirmed that all 15 individuals who lost their lives were students of the university.
Authorities have since launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, support is being extended to the affected families and university community as they grapple with the sudden and heartbreaking loss.
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