UPDATE: Three children perish after MPV plunges into river in Lawas

LAWAS (Oct 18): Three children died after the multipurpose vehicle (MPV) they were in plunged into a river at Kampung Awat-Awat in Lawas earlier today.

The victims have been identified as Mohamad Nazran Matasan, 10; Mohd Fayard Mohd Azmi, 5; and Eryna Akifa Imani Zukri, 8.

Six others in the vehicle survived with minor injuries, while nine-year-old Madieenatul Munawarad Mohd Azmi remains in critical condition and has been transferred to Miri Hospital for further treatment, according to Lawas Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Azman Ibrahim.

“Bomba personnel rushed to the location after receiving a distress call from the public at 1.15pm, reporting that a vehicle had skidded into the river.

“Upon the team’s arrival at the scene, it was confirmed that a single-vehicle accident involving a Perodua MPV occurred. It was travelling from Lawas town heading towards Kampung Awat-Awat.

“Six victims were successfully rescued by the driver when the car skidded into the river, while three others were pulled out by members of the public,” he said in a statement.

Azman added that four child victims were sent to Sundar Clinic in Lawas before being referred to the Lawas Hospital, while one victim was sent to Miri Hospital.