IN separate tragic incidents, two individuals lost their lives in fatal road accidents, including a child and a prominent legal figure.
A child tragically was killed in a road collision on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) near the Menora Tunnel (pic) in Perak yesterday.
The accident, which occurred at kilometre 264.7 of the highway heading south, also left a woman and a man with serious injuries.
The Ipoh Fire and Rescue Department (BPP) confirmed the incident on its official Facebook page, stating that emergency services received a distress call at 6.45pm. "Upon arrival at the scene, we found that a child had passed away," Bernama cited the statement saying.
Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) teams provided initial treatment to the injured victims, who were then transferred to the Ministry of Health for further care.
Shocking footage of the crash has circulated on social media, heightening public concern over road safety.
Sabah state court director dies in two-vehicle collision
In another devastating incident, Marutin Pagan, the 56-year-old Director of the Sabah State Courts, was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Sibu yesterday afternoon.
The accident occurred at the Kanowit-Durin roundabout around 1:59 pm, involving a Toyota Fortuner and a Proton X70.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili confirmed the death, stating in a midnight WhatsApp message that Marutin was a passenger in the Toyota Fortuner when it collided with the Proton X70.
"Investigations revealed that the Toyota Fortuner was heading from Kanowit Town to Sibu when it was struck by the Proton X70," Bernama quoted him saying.
The collision caused the Toyota Fortuner to overturn, throwing Marutin from the vehicle. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 28-year-old driver of the Toyota Fortuner, along with the 42-year-old driver of the Proton X70 and four other passengers, sustained minor injuries and were taken to Kanowit Hospital for treatment.
An investigation into the crash has been initiated, with the case being examined under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, according to Zulkipli.
Marutin’s sister, Maria Pagan, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, revealing that her brother had been travelling from Machan in Kanowit to Sibu at the time of the crash.
Before his appointment as Director of the Sabah State Courts, Marutin had served as a Sessions Court Judge in various locations, including Bintulu, Sibu, and Kuching.
Both incidents have left the nation mourning the loss of life, as authorities continue their investigations into the causes of these tragic crashes. - March 31, 2025
