Lahad Datu crash claims three lives

LAHAD DATU: Three men were killed after the four-wheel-drive vehicle they were travelling in collided with a trailer carrying palm oil at Batu 16, Jalan Lahad Datu-Sandakan, on Tuesday night (July 1).

Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station chief Sumsoa Rashid said the victims have been identified as the driver Mohd Azizi, 28, and front passenger Mohd Rasman Ahmat Kechil, 28, as well as Muhammad Zulkhairi Ismail, 29, who was seated in the back.

“All the victims were trapped in the vehicle and were extricated by the firefighters before being confirmed dead at the scene by medical personnel.

“Meanwhile, the trailer driver, a 61-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Lahad Datu Hospital for further treatment,” he said when contacted by reporters on Wednesday (July 2).

According to Sumsoa, a distress call regarding the accident was received via MERS999 at 8.52pm, and a team of 12 firefighters, along with machinery and the Emergency Services Assistance Unit, was immediately dispatched to the scene, located 30km from the station.

He said all the deceased were handed over to the police for further action, and the operation concluded at 12.40am after confirming there were no further hazards at the scene. – Bernama