MELAKA - A catastrophic pile-up on the northbound Plus Highway in Malaysia has left seven people dead, including five family members.

The incident occurred on December 23 at Kilometer 204.0, when a loose lorry tyre led to a devastating chain reaction involving five vehicles, including a trailer and a tour bus.

Victims of the Tragedy

Among the victims of this tragic accident were 32-year-old Khairul Izwan Mazupi, who was driving the multipurpose vehicle (MPV), his wife Fadzlenna Ramli, also 32, and their youngest son, two-year-old Muhammad Umar Khairul Ikhwan. Fadzlenna’s father, 66-year-old Ramli Ab Wahab, was also in the vehicle, along with an unidentified passenger from the tour bus.

Details of the Accident

Police investigations revealed that while the lorry, driven by a 31-year-old man, was travelling southbound, its right front tyre came loose and ended up in the middle lane. The tour bus, carrying 27 passengers, collided with the tyre, causing the driver to lose control. The bus then veered into the opposite lane, crashing into a trailer that was being driven by a 27-year-old man with a 16-year-old passenger.

This collision resulted in the trailer crashing into the left lane, where it hit the road barrier and subsequently struck both the sedan and the MPV.

Emergency Response and Aftermath

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but sadly, all five occupants of the MPV were pronounced dead on-site. Meanwhile, the couple's two surviving children, four-year-old Nur Sofea Humaira Khairul Ikhwan and seven-year-old Muhammad Uwais Al-Qarni Khairul Ikhwan, were rushed to Hospital Melaka for treatment, where they are currently recovering.

Public and Official Reactions

The accident, described as one of the most tragic incidents on Malaysia's roads this year, has sparked significant concern over road safety in the region. Alor Gajah’s police chief, Supt Ashari Abu Samah, confirmed that investigations are ongoing under Section 41(1) of Malaysia's 1987 Road Transport Act.

In light of this incident, authorities are urging drivers to perform regular checks on vehicle conditions, especially for commercial vehicles, to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Community Mourning

The heart-wrenching loss of lives serves as a grim reminder of the importance of highway safety and vigilance on the roads. As the investigation continues, families and friends of the victims, along with the wider community, are united in mourning the loss of life and the impact this tragedy has had on many.