A heartbreaking accident in Johor, Malaysia, has claimed the life of a seven-year-old boy after he was struck by the same school bus he had just stepped off.
The tragedy unfolded in the afternoon when the child was reportedly hit as the bus was making a turn, leaving his family and community devastated. Despite the unimaginable loss, the boy’s family has chosen not to blame the driver, describing the incident as fate.
The accident has also prompted renewed calls for school bus drivers and road users to exercise greater caution around children boarding and alighting from vehicles.
Child Fatally Injured After School Bus Turns
The incident took place at about 4.20pm on 14 July along Jalan Raya 3 in Taman Seri Lalang, Kluang, Johor.
According to local reports, seven-year-old Muhammad Umar had just alighted from his school bus when the vehicle turned into Jalan Raya 3. During the manoeuvre, the bus reportedly struck the boy, who was on the left side of the road.
The impact caused Umar to fall and suffer severe head injuries after striking the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders were called, but the injuries proved fatal.
Bus Driver Collapses in Shock
The 36-year-old female bus driver reportedly fainted after realising what had happened.
She was taken to hospital for medical treatment following the incident. Authorities also conducted a urine test, which came back negative for drugs.
Police said the driver is assisting with investigations into the fatal accident.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987, which covers causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
Following the tragedy, police reminded motorists to remain vigilant, obey traffic regulations and be especially careful around children near schools and residential areas.
Officials also urged school bus drivers to ensure every child has reached a safe location before moving off.
Family Forgives Driver Despite Tragic Loss
Speaking after his son’s funeral, Umar’s father, Mohd Faaiz Muran, recalled that the young boy had behaved differently in the days leading up to the accident.
He shared that Umar had unexpectedly asked to be carried and hugged, something he had never done before. The child had also requested several items, including a bicycle, while promising to study hard.
His father said he was grateful that he had managed to fulfil most of those wishes.
He also revealed that he had planned to return home from Selangor the day after the accident to take Umar and his twin younger sisters out together.
Despite losing his son in such tragic circumstances, Mohd Faaiz said the family does not hold the bus driver responsible and accepts the incident as fate.
The case has sparked renewed discussion about school transport safety, with many calling for stricter procedures to ensure children are fully clear of buses before drivers continue their journey.