RANAU – Eight pupils near the remote village of Kg Gusi in Sabah near here were trying to study online on a suspension bridge above a river – the only place they could access the internet – when the structure snapped.
Three sustained serious injuries while trying to get connected to attend their online classes.
The SMK Ulu Sugut pupils were among eight pupils from Kg Gusi who fell from 15m after the bridge gave way about 9.30pm on Monday.
A teacher who lives nearby alerted the authorities for help.
According to Ranau police chief Sammy Newton, a Form Four girl sustained a broken hip and calf, while a boy sustained a back injury when they fell on the banks of Sg Kagarasan.
Newton did not elaborate on the injury of the third pupil.
The pupils, between the ages of 15 and 18, are currently undergoing treatment at Ranau Hospital.
The Vibes understands that they will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital soon for further treatment.
The victims cannot be transferred immediately as they are awaiting results of Covid-19 tests.
Newton said the other five pupils only sustained minor injuries.
Kg Gusi residents told The Vibes that they have to go to the bridge to get better internet connection as there is barely any network reception in their village.
Kg Gusi is some 80km from here, and is accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles due to the muddy off-road tracks.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam had confirmed the accident to the media here last night after early reports on it went viral on social media.
“The suspension bridge was built 10 years ago. There were repairs done on it but it is already old and dilapidated.”
He also ordered new repairs on the bridge.
Joachim, who is also the Kundasang assemblyman, said the villagers of Kg Gusi now have to use boats to cross the river until a new suspension bridge is built for them.
“We are seeking funds from the federal or state government for the construction of a new bridge.
"I have ordered my officer to engage the Prime Minister’s Department on the matter,” he said.
District Officer Yasin Ibrahim said the suspension bridge had been listed for repairs and is currently awaiting approval for its allocation.
Yasin was quoted by The Star as saying yesterday that one of the cables holding it had snapped, causing it to tilt to one side.
He said the injured teens had to be transferred by boat to nearby Kg Garasan and later driven to the nearest clinic for treatment on the night of the incident.
Sabah has long been plagued by poor internet connectivity, especially in rural areas, as the Covid-19 pandemic forces pupils to carry out their studies online.
In June, Universiti Malaysia Sabah student Veveonah Mosibin had made the spotlight when she had to climb a tree near her house in Pitas just to take an examination, which was conducted online. – The Vibes, November 27, 2020.
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