BUTTERWORTH - A Shocking Incident

In a shocking incident that has left the nation grieving, an 18-year-old teenager lost his life from electrocution while charging his phone on an express bus in Malaysia. The tragic event occurred at the Penang Sentral bus terminal on November 1, sending ripples of distress throughout the community.

Details of the Incident

According to Assistant Commissioner Anuar Abdul Rahman, the police were notified of the incident shortly after it happened. "An initial investigation revealed burn marks on the victim's left fingers, indicating he received an electric shock while using a socket onboard to charge his mobile device," he stated in a press release on November 2.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitness accounts further elucidate the horrifying scene. The victim had boarded the bus bound for Kuala Lumpur Sentral transit hub when, around 6 PM, screams pierced the air. Onlookers watched in horror as the young man began frothing at the mouth. Quick to react, one witness called for an ambulance, but tragically, the emergency services could only confirm his death upon arrival at approximately 6:20 PM.

Post-Mortem Examination

A post-mortem examination conducted at Seberang Jaya Hospital revealed no additional injuries, ruling out any foul play associated with the incident. The police have confirmed that the condition of the charging cable was notably dangerous—melted at one end—and the victim’s phone appeared to be overheated.

Government Response

In response to this unfortunate occurrence, Malaysia's Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, announced the creation of a special task force that will investigate the deadly electrocution. This team will include members from the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), Road Transport Department (RTD), and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research.

Commitment to Safety

Loke emphasized the seriousness with which the ministry is approaching this incident: "I have ordered Apad to impound the bus immediately so that the RTD can conduct a thorough investigation," he stressed. The task force's mission is clear: to determine the cause of the electrocution and ensure the safety of all passengers in the future.

Community Mourning

As the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young life, the minister has also offered his heartfelt condolences to the victim's family. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from seemingly harmless activities like charging a mobile phone.

Advice to Travelers

Authorities are urging all travelers to be cautious and vigilant when using electrical sockets in public transport to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. Stay tuned as more updates emerge from ongoing investigations.