A family holiday in Kuala Lumpur ended in tragedy after a father and his two daughters were killed in a crash involving an Immigration Department lorry in the city centre.
The accident happened at around 1am on Aug 19 at the Maju Junction traffic light intersection along Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
According to China Press, preliminary investigations found that the Immigration Department lorry allegedly entered the intersection while its traffic light was red.
Lorry allegedly entered intersection against red light
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said the vehicle involved was an empty Isuzu “Black Maria” belonging to the Immigration Department.
The lorry, driven by a 43-year-old local man, was reportedly travelling from the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Office towards Chow Kit for an operation involving undocumented migrants.
Preliminary investigations found that the lorry allegedly entered the intersection while the light was red, with its beacon lights and siren activated.
At the same time, a Proton Saga driven by a 50-year-old local man was travelling straight through the intersection after receiving a green light.
The Saga driver was reportedly unable to avoid the Immigration lorry, resulting in both vehicles colliding in the middle of the intersection.
Following the impact, the Immigration lorry lost control and veered off before hitting four pedestrians who were all members of the same family.
It also collided with an Inokom Matrix driven by a 38-year-old man.
Father and 2 daughters died at the scene
The three pedestrians who died were a 53-year-old man and his two daughters, aged 25 and 12.
All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
The man’s 55-year-old wife survived but suffered injuries to her head, arm and both legs and was rushed to the Red Zone at Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
In a later update, police said the woman remained in critical condition.
None of the three drivers involved in the crash were injured.
Family believed to be holidaying in KL
Police later revealed that the family was believed to have been on holiday in Kuala Lumpur when the tragedy happened.
According to Bernama, preliminary investigations found that the family lived in Kampar, Perak, although authorities have yet to determine how long they had been in the capital.
Another child of the couple was reportedly not with the family during the trip.
As of noon on Aug 19, post mortem examinations on the three victims were still being conducted, while their relatives had arrived at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine at HKL.
Immigration lorry driver and Saga driver detained
Police detained both the Immigration lorry driver and the Proton Saga driver to assist with investigations.
Breathalyser tests and preliminary urine screenings on both drivers returned negative results for alcohol and drugs.
Police are also obtaining CCTV recordings and looking for independent witnesses as part of investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which concerns causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
Those with information about the accident have been urged to contact the Jalan Tun H.S. Lee Traffic Police Station at 03-2071 9999 or any nearby police station.
Anwar orders immediate investigation
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the fatal crash.
Anwar said appropriate action must be taken without compromise if investigators uncover negligence or any violation of the law.
He also expressed his condolences to the victims’ family.
The Immigration Department has separately announced that it will conduct its own internal investigation, including examining compliance with standard operating procedures and safety requirements surrounding the operation of departmental vehicles.
Immigration director general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department would fully cooperate with police and would take appropriate action based on the findings of both investigations.
He also urged the public not to circulate unverified photos, videos or information that could lead to speculation while investigations are ongoing.
