Traffic offender detained after freight carrier crushes family vehicle on Karak highway

A LORRY driver involved in a catastrophic highway collision that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a one-year-old infant, possesses fifteen prior traffic summonses, law enforcement officials have revealed.

The disaster occurred at Kilometre 43 of the Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway near the Bentong destination.

Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman confirmed the driving record of the 40-year-old suspect and stated that blood samples have been secured for comprehensive toxicology analysis.

A thorough investigation is currently underway to ascertain the exact cause behind the heavy vehicle losing control, Yahaya said in an official media statement.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.

The fatal incident occurred at approximately 4:30pm when the trailer, which was transporting a cargo of iron ore dust, reportedly lost stability on a downward, curved stretch of the motorway.

The vehicle overturned onto its left side, completely crushing an oncoming Honda City saloon car occupied by the victims.

Emergency services were deployed immediately after the District Control Centre at the Bentong District Police Headquarters received reports of the crash.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the trailer, driven by a local man, was travelling from the direction of Kuala Lumpur towards Kuantan,” Yahaya noted.

Upon arriving at the scene, which is a downhill road with a bend, the lorry is believed to have lost control before overturning to the left side of the road and crushing the car in the left lane.

The force of the impact killed all occupants of the car instantly.

“Due to the severe impact of the collision, the driver of the car, a 55-year-old local man, along with three other passengers, was confirmed dead at the scene,” Yahaya added.

“The driver of the trailer survived the crash with non-fatal injuries and remains under medical supervision. It was found that he sustained head and hip injuries and is currently receiving further treatment at the hospital,” the Police Chief confirmed. - June 15, 2026