A tragic accident outside a primary school in Johor has left an eight-year-old girl dead after she was struck by a van near the school’s main entrance.
The heartbreaking incident reportedly took place outside Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Maimon in Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat, on May 5.
According to Malaysian authorities, the young victim was a Primary 2 pupil who had been walking near the school gate when the collision occurred.
Police said the van had just completed a delivery inside the school compound before attempting to exit the premises and head towards Jalan Simpang Lima-Parit Sulong.
It was during this moment that the vehicle allegedly hit the child in front of the school entrance.
Victim Suffered Severe Injuries
Batu Pahat district police chief ACP Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said preliminary investigations found that the child suffered severe head and internal injuries as a result of the crash.
Medical personnel from the nearby Parit Sulong Health Clinic later pronounced the girl dead at the scene.
The 60-year-old van driver was reportedly unharmed during the incident.
Photos shared by Malaysian police showed officers at the scene conducting investigations around the damaged van while school staff and members of the public gathered nearby.
The case has since sparked widespread grief online, with many social media users expressing sadness over yet another fatal road accident involving children near schools.
Driver Detained As Investigations Continue
Police confirmed that the van driver has been detained to assist with investigations.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 41(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
Road safety near schools has become an increasingly sensitive issue in Malaysia and Singapore, especially during peak dismissal periods where heavy traffic, parked vehicles, and children crossing roads create dangerous conditions.
Many netizens called for stronger safety measures outside schools, including speed limit enforcement, dedicated crossing guards, and stricter vehicle access controls during school hours.
Others also urged parents and motorists to remain extra vigilant around school zones, noting that even a brief lapse in attention can lead to devastating consequences.
The tragedy comes amid growing public concern across the region over accidents involving schoolchildren, particularly near busy roads and crowded pickup points.