In the early hours of January 13, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded on Malaysia’s North-South Expressway, involving a tour bus carrying 28 passengers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, leaving 1 person dead and 4 others injured, according to The New Straits Times.
The tour bus collided with a motorcycle near the state of Melaka, resulting in a devastating fire that engulfed both vehicles.
The accident occurred at approximately 3:50 am on Saturday, and it was triggered by the motorcycle skidding before the motorcyclist fell off the bike. A bus then collides with it, dragging the bike on the road and subsequently catching fire.
Victims
A 17-year-old female tourist from Chennai, India, lost her life due to burn injuries sustained in the accident. She was trapped inside the burning bus at the time.
Four family members of the deceased, ranging from ages 19 to 69, were also injured, with two suffering third-degree burns.
Response
The local fire and rescue department, with 21 firefighters, worked diligently to extinguish the fire.
The police chief explained that the accident’s cause was the motorcycle skidding, leading to a collision with the bus and subsequent ignition.
Both the bus and the motorcycle were completely burnt, causing substantial damage.
The local fire and rescue department commander detailed the extensive efforts made to extinguish the fire.
The body of the deceased was transported to Melaka Hospital for further examination, and investigations by the police are ongoing.
The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.