E-hailing driver killed in crash near Marudi junction, 3-year-old son sustains minor injuries

MIRI (April 10): An e-hailing driver was killed, while his young son sustained minor injuries after the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off-road and overturned near Marudi junction on the Pan Borneo Highway on Thursday.

Jasper Kalang Ayup, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries, while his three-year-son escaped with slight facial wounds.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) operations centre said it received an emergency call regarding the fatal accident at 2.57pm and a team of seven personnel from Lopeng fire station were deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, firefighters worked to extricate the driver, who was trapped in the vehicle, using special equipment, while the little boy had already been rescued by members of the public.

Once extricated the victim was handed over to medical personnel, who declared he had died at the scene, and then to the police for further action.

Separately, Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said a preliminary investigation at the scene found that the driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off to the left side of the road and crash into a guardrail.

He said the boy is currently receiving treatment at the emergency unit of Miri Hospital.

“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

“Members of the public with any information regarding the incident are urged to come forward to assist in the investigation by contacting traffic investigating officer Insp Nor Afifah Nordin on 019-5264640 or 085-430479, or the nearest police station,” he said.

He also advised road users to always practise careful driving and comply with all traffic regulations.