A LATE-NIGHT multi-vehicle collision along Jalan Tun Jugah in Kuching has claimed the lives of two men and left a teenage girl fighting for her life, in a crash described by police as a devastating chain of impacts involving four vehicles.
The crash occurred just after midnight on Thursday, at approximately 12.40am, in front of Gala City — a busy stretch linking the city centre with Kuching International Airport (KIA).
According to Acting Kuching police chief Supt Merbin Lisa, the incident began when a 37-year-old driver travelling towards the airport lost control of his vehicle, swerved into oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with another car.
“The second car, driven by a 40-year-old man and carrying a 14-year-old female passenger, was travelling from KIA in the direction of the city centre,” said Merbin.
As the wreckage from the initial crash lay strewn across the road, a third vehicle — driven by a 25-year-old man coming from the Kenyalang flyover — crashed into the first car, which had come to a halt in the middle of the road.
In the chaos that followed, the driver and passenger of the second car, who had exited their vehicle to assist the first driver, were also struck by the incoming third vehicle.
“The third car then spun out of control and slammed into a fourth car, which had parked at the roadside,” Merbin said.
The fourth car was driven by a 36-year-old man who had stopped in an attempt to help the victims of the initial collision.
Both the first and second drivers died at the scene of the crash. The 14-year-old girl, who was travelling with the second driver, suffered serious injuries and is currently receiving emergency treatment at Sarawak General Hospital.
The drivers of the third and fourth vehicles sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation.
Police have launched an investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which relates to causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Traffic Investigating Officer Insp Muhammad Amirul Azami Ahmad Rasol at 016-8593994 or 082-259900, or to visit the nearest police station.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and strict adherence to traffic laws,” said Merbin.
“Lives can be lost in seconds. We urge all motorists to exercise caution, especially during the late-night hours.”
The collision marks one of the most serious traffic incidents in Kuching this year, prompting renewed calls for greater road safety awareness and possibly more visible late-night patrols on major arteries like Jalan Tun Jugah. – April 10, 2025
