Johor School Van Crash Leaves 16 Students Injured, Open Manhole Blamed
What started as a typical morning school run quickly spiralled into panic and injury for 16 students in Johor Baru after their school van skidded and overturned — believed to be caused by an uncovered manhole. One mother, who had just reached her workplace in Singapore, raced back home upon receiving the frightening call about her daughter.
J. Logeswati, a 36-year-old factory operator, was just beginning her shift when the van operator contacted her to say that her 10-year-old daughter, T. Livia, was involved in an accident. The girl, a student at SJKT Jalan Yahya Awal, had to be rushed to Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) with head and body injuries, reported The Star.
“I was shaking and confused. I didn’t think about anything else except getting back to my daughter,” Logeswati said. Her daughter reportedly suffered swelling in her neck, cuts on her ears, and bruises across her body.
Open Manhole Believed to Have Caused Accident
According to police investigations, the school van — carrying 17 individuals including students and the driver — was travelling along Jalan Abdul Samad when it hit an exposed manhole. The impact caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the van skidding and overturning.
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the victims were aged between 9 and 15, with 11 sustaining minor injuries treated in the yellow zone at HSA. Seven students were warded, three were still receiving treatment, and six were discharged.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for careless driving resulting in an accident. Police have taken the driver’s statement to assist with ongoing inquiries.
Authorities Suspect Manhole Theft Attempt
Johor’s state works, transportation, and infrastructure committee chairman, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, confirmed that the open manhole belonged to a utility company. He said the company had not conducted recent maintenance, and the damage appeared consistent with a possible theft attempt.
“We believe the manhole cover may have been stolen. We urge anyone with information, including dashcam footage, to come forward,” he said.
Officials are calling for heightened public vigilance as similar incidents could pose major risks, especially during school commutes. The state government is also expected to review safety protocols for school transportation following this incident.
Parents Call for Stricter Checks and Safer Roads
This incident has reignited concerns among parents over road safety and school transport regulation. With many relying on vans to ferry children to and from school, the accident has sparked calls for more rigorous vehicle inspections and prompt repair of public infrastructure.
As T. Livia recovers from her injuries, her mother’s ordeal reflects the distress many parents face when their children’s safety is left to chance. With the authorities promising swift action, parents are watching closely, hoping for accountability and change before another tragedy occurs.