Seven people were injured after a serious collision involving two tour buses and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) along the winding roads of Genting Highlands in Malaysia.
The accident happened on the downhill stretch of Jalan Genting Highlands-Genting Sempah on Saturday evening, 30 May, causing one of the buses to overturn onto its side.
Photos and videos from the scene showed the overturned bus blocking part of the road as emergency responders rushed to assist injured passengers.
According to Malaysian authorities, the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency distress call at about 5.29pm.
A rescue team from the Genting Highlands Fire and Rescue Station later arrived at the crash site at approximately 6.06pm.
Bus Carrying Nepalese Tourists Overturned
Officials said one of the buses involved in the collision was carrying 36 Nepalese passengers when it overturned during the incident.
Six passengers from the overturned bus sustained injuries.
The second tour bus, which reportedly carried Bangladeshi and Nepali nationals, did not record any passenger injuries despite being involved in the crash.
Meanwhile, one of the three occupants inside the SUV was also hurt.
Fortunately, all passengers and drivers managed to escape from their vehicles before rescue teams arrived at the scene.
Emergency personnel administered first aid on-site before the injured victims were transported to hospital for further treatment.
The incident caused traffic congestion along the busy Genting Highlands route, which is known for its sharp bends, steep slopes and frequent heavy vehicle traffic.
Bus Driver Arrested Over Suspected Reckless Driving
Bentong district police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar later revealed that a 55-year-old bus driver had been arrested in connection with the accident.
Preliminary investigations found that the first bus allegedly lost control while navigating a bend along the downhill road.
The vehicle reportedly struck the rear of an SUV before crashing into the back of the second express bus.
Due to the impact, the second bus lost control, skidded and overturned onto the left side of the road.
Police believe reckless driving may have contributed to the crash.
Investigators also discovered that the arrested driver had accumulated 29 outstanding traffic summonses linked to various offences.
However, a urine test conducted on the driver returned negative for drugs.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 43(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987.
The latest crash has once again raised concerns about road safety standards involving heavy vehicles travelling along Genting Highlands, especially during weekends and holiday periods when traffic volume increases significantly.
Many netizens online also pointed out the dangers of speeding on mountain roads, where sharp corners and slippery conditions can quickly turn deadly.