Express bus hits lorry, leaving driver injured

MUKAH: A 53-year-old man was injured after his lorry overturned when an express bus crashed into its rear along Jalan Balingian-Kuala Balingian Monday (Oct 26).

The accident happened at around 2.15 pm when the Hino express bus, travelling from Mukah towards Bintulu, allegedly attempted to overtake the Toyota three-tonne lorry ahead.

At the same time, the lorry was believed to be turning right, leaving the bus driver unable to avoid the collision.

Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the impact caused the lorry to lose control before overturning at the roadside.

“The lorry driver suffered a headache and was referred to Bintulu Hospital for further treatment.

“Meanwhile, the express bus driver and all 12 passengers escaped unhurt. The passengers were transferred to another bus to continue their journey to Bintulu,” he said.

Rizal stated that the case was being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Both vehicles have been ordered to be taken to the district police headquarters (IPD) for further investigation.

Police are also identifying witnesses and seeking closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and dashboard camera recordings to assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Anyone with information on the accident is urged to report them to investigating officer Sgt Jimmy Langan at 011-15616525.

Handout photo shows the scene of the accident along Jalan Balingian-Kuala Balingian yesterday (Oct 26).