MPV in crash where eight died was being pursued by cops

SARIKEI: An accident that resulted in eight deaths and two injuries here occurred when a MPV vehicle tried to flee from an inspection by police on patrol.

Sarikei police acting chief Supt Aswandy Anis said the MPV, driven by a Malaysian with seven Indonesian passengers, entered the opposite lane at the Simpang Bulat diversion.

He said that when the MPV reached the Sungai Nyelong Bridge of the Pan Borneo Highway during the pursuit, it collided with an oncoming four-wheel drive vehicle with two occupants.

“The driver and passengers in the MPV were confirmed dead at the scene by medical officers from Sarikei Hospital, while the driver and passenger of the 4WD sustained minor injuries,” he said on Thursday (Nov 21).

The incident happened at KM448 Jalan Betong/Sarikei/Meradong at 2.50 pm. – Bernama