A 67-year-old man in Malaysia died in a tragic accident after he was reportedly run over by his own vehicle outside his home in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor. The incident happened on the evening of May 27 and has since sparked discussions online about vehicle safety and the importance of engaging the handbrake properly, especially on sloped driveways.
According to local reports, the man had parked his Proton Saga inside the garage at around 5.18pm before stepping out to close the front gate. Moments later, the vehicle allegedly rolled backwards unexpectedly, knocking him down and trapping him underneath the car.
Authorities believe the incident may have occurred because the handbrake was not fully engaged. Initial findings also revealed that the garage area sloped downward towards the gate, which may have caused the car to move on its own.
The case has drawn attention across Malaysia and Singapore, with many social media users sharing concerns about similar close calls involving unattended vehicles. Some netizens also urged drivers to double-check their handbrakes and gear positions before leaving their cars, especially older vehicles parked on uneven surfaces.
Firefighters Rushed to Rescue Victim
Emergency responders from the Bukit Sentosa Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched shortly after the incident was reported. Five firefighters arrived at the scene around 5.43pm and worked quickly to free the victim from beneath the vehicle.
Despite rescue efforts, the elderly man was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries. His body was later sent to Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Officials from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that they received an emergency distress call at approximately 5.20pm. Rescue personnel were immediately mobilised, but the injuries suffered by the victim were too severe.
The incident is currently being investigated under Section 41(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987.
Similar Accidents Have Happened Before
This is not the first time a fatal accident involving a rolling vehicle has occurred in the region. Similar cases in both Malaysia and Taiwan have previously involved drivers attempting to stop their own vehicles after forgetting to secure them properly.
Road safety experts say such accidents are more common than many people realise, especially in residential areas with sloped driveways. Drivers are often advised to engage the handbrake fully, place automatic vehicles into “Park”, and turn wheels toward curbs when parking on inclines.
The tragic incident has also become a sobering reminder that even routine daily actions can quickly turn deadly when safety precautions are overlooked.