LAHAD DATU: Two passengers were seriously hurt while 17 others suffered minor injuries after the express bus they travelling in plunged into a ravine at Km 13, Jalan Lahad Datu-Tawau, here, on Thursday.
District Police Chief ACP Dzulbaharin Ismail said the bus was travelling from Semporna and carrying 18 passengers including two Italian tourists.
Dzulbaharin said the bus skidded and plunged into a 50-metre ravine, injuring the driver and all the passengers, in the 9.10pm incident.
“Two women, aged 22 and 36, suffered serious injuries while the 16 others including the tourists suffered minor injuries.
“All the victims were taken to Lahad Datu Hospital by ambulance and Fire and Rescue Department for treatment,” he said.
Dzulbaharin said blood sample was taken from the driver for alcohol and drug tests. Investigations are ongoing under Section 43(1) of Road Transport Act 1987 and witnesses are urged contact Insp. Muhammad Rasul Ramlee at 089-881255 or any nearest police station to assist in investigations.
A State Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said it received a distress call following the incident at 9.24pm via MERS999.
A team of 20 Fire and Rescue personnel led by Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Sumsoa Rashid rushed to the scene in a fire engine, two Four Wheel Drive (4WD) and EMRS vehicle.
“When the team arrived at the scene, 13 of the passengers managed to get out of the bus.
“The team assisted six victims who suffered injuries and handed them to the medical team,” he said.
