A family’s joyful day turned into a devastating tragedy in Malaysia after six relatives were killed during what was believed to be the first journey in their newly purchased Proton X50.
The fatal accident occurred on June 7 in Kampung Baru Pinang Tunggal, Penang, as the family travelled to visit and clean the grave of their late father. According to reports, the vehicle had only been collected from a dealership in Juru earlier that morning.
The victims had reportedly taken photographs beside the new sport utility vehicle before setting off on their trip, unaware that it would be their final journey together.
Three-Year-Old Child Sole Survivor
The Proton X50 was driven by 27-year-old Ahmad Syafiq Ahmad Shukri, who was among those killed in the crash. Also killed were his younger brother, 21-year-old Ahmad Fahim Ahmad Shukri, 55-year-old Nora Mhd Husin, 27-year-old Jamaliah Sannusi, a seven-year-old child, and a six-month-old baby.
A three-year-old child was the only survivor. The child sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
All six victims were later transferred to the Forensic Department of Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar for post-mortem procedures and further investigations.
Family members said the seven-year-old child had joined the trip at the last minute after becoming excited about riding in the family’s new vehicle.
Rescue Teams Forced To Cut Open Vehicle
Emergency services received a distress call at approximately 3.46pm. Firefighters from nearby stations arrived within minutes and discovered several occupants trapped inside the severely damaged SUV.
Rescuers used hydraulic cutting equipment to free the victims from the wreckage.
Witnesses at the scene suggested that the driver may have briefly fallen asleep behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to lose control before crossing into the path of an oncoming lorry. Authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the accident and investigations remain ongoing.
Police said preliminary findings indicate the lorry driver was travelling at around 60km/h, within the legal speed limit for that road.
Lorry Driver Tested Negative For Alcohol And Drugs
Investigators confirmed the 47-year-old lorry driver possessed a valid driving licence and tested negative for both alcohol and drugs.
Authorities stated there was no indication that the driver was speeding at the time of the collision.
However, background checks revealed that the lorry driver had accumulated seven traffic summonses, with four reportedly remaining unresolved.
The driver has been detained while police continue their investigations.
Driver Served In Malaysian Police Force
Police revealed that Ahmad Syafiq had served with the Royal Malaysia Police for approximately six years. He was previously stationed in Sabah before transferring to Penang about a year ago.
Authorities believe the family was travelling from Merbok in Kedah to a cemetery when the accident occurred.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 41(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987, which covers causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of condolences online, with many expressing sorrow over how a day that began with celebrations for a new family vehicle ended in the loss of six lives.