Two motorcyclists killed in separate Jln Mukah-Balingian accidents

MUKAH (March 27): Two motorcyclists were killed in separate road accidents along Jalan Mukah-Balingian within a span of less than 13 hours.

Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the first fatal crash occurred at about 11pm on March 26 at Km20 of the road, involving a motorcycle and a 25-tonne fertiliser lorry.

“A 30-year-old motorcyclist was killed after he was believed to have suddenly entered the path of the lorry, which was driven by a 36-year-old man.

“The victim sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while the lorry driver was unharmed,” he said.

The second fatal accident occurred less than 13 hours later at about 11.45am yesterday at Km16 of the same road, involving three vehicles.

Muhamad Rizal said preliminary investigations found that a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle driven by a 60-year-old man had stopped suddenly due to engine failure while travelling from Balingian towards Mukah town.

“A motorcycle ridden by a 21-year-old woman, who was travelling in the same direction, failed to avoid the 4WD and crashed into its rear.

“The impact caused the motorcycle to veer into the opposite lane before being hit by an oncoming lorry driven by a 31-year-old man,” he said.

He added that the rider suffered severe injuries to the head and body, and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

The victim, who was from Kampung Penipah, died at the scene, while both the 4WD driver and the lorry driver escaped unhurt.

Both cases are being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Muhamad Rizal urged witnesses to come forward to assist investigations and reminded road users to exercise extra caution, especially when travelling at night or along dark stretches of road.