THE DRIVER of the ill-fated bus claimed that the brakes failed suddenly and and he avoided crashing into other cars before losing control.
Speaking from his hospital bed in Taiping, he told The New Straits Times that he was sorry and apologised to the families of the victims and the students involved in the crash.
Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle, 39,said the bus departed from Terengganu in good condition, but things took a sudden turn near the elephant crossing bridge in Gerik.
"The brakes stopped working without warning, and at the same time, the air system failed.
"I did my best to avoid other vehicles. I remember swerving past at least four, including a lorry, before the crash happened.
"The last vehicle I overtook had a dashcam. I wasn't speeding — I was trying to avoid crashing into other cars. But the road was winding, and I had no control left," he told NST.
Amirul, who has been a bus driver since 2016, said he shouted at the students to brace for impact.
"Those sitting near the front may have heard me. But most of the students at the back were asleep. Some thought I was shouting in anger.
"I estimate the bus travelled more than a kilometre with failed brakes. I did all I could to prevent the worst.
"I know the Jeli-Gerik route well — I wasn't speeding, especially since we were going downhill," he said, choking back tears.
He said he briefly lost consciousness when the bus overturned, but came to and shouted for the students to escape through the shattered front windscreen.
"I crawled out and saw the students. I cried. I was devastated. But I accept this as a test from Allah.
"In all my years of driving, this is the first accident I've had that involved fatalities. I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt.
"But I can't turn back time. All I can do now is apologise, and let the authorities carry out their investigation."
Amirul, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, is currently awaiting surgery for a fractured left arm. - June 10, 2025
