AN ELDERLY woman died and seven others were injured after a Volvo SUV crashed into a fast-food restaurant in Sitiawan, Perak, on Thursday night.
The incident occurred at around 9.05pm at a KFC outlet located near a traffic light junction in the town. The 73-year-old victim, a customer at the restaurant, succumbed to her injuries while receiving emergency treatment at Seri Manjung Hospital.
Manjung District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Hasbullah Abd Rahman, said preliminary investigations indicated that the driver of a Volvo XC90 lost control of the vehicle as it approached the traffic lights in front of the restaurant.
“The SUV, travelling from Kampung Koh towards Sungai Wangi, veered to the right and rammed into the building, which was crowded with patrons at the time,” he said in a statement on Friday.
The crash injured eight customers, including a young girl. Seven victims aged between five and 38 are currently being treated at Seri Manjung Hospital, while the elderly woman was confirmed dead.
The 29-year-old driver of the SUV sustained only minor injuries and has been detained to assist with investigations.
“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” Hasbullah added.
He urged witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the investigating officer, Inspector Nur Syafiqah Baharudin, at 012-6375962 or 05-6899072.
Earlier reports noted that one of the victims became trapped beneath the vehicle as it slammed into the restaurant, shattering its glass walls and causing significant damage. The outlet is located at a busy four-way traffic junction in Sitiawan. - May 9, 2025
