Miri motorcyclist killed in SUV collision
by Cindy Lai · Borneo Post OnlineMIRI (March 17): A motorcyclist has died in a collision with a sports utility vehicle (SUV) on Jalan Bakam here.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) operations control centre said a distress call was received on the incident at 12.32am.
A team of firefighters from the Miri Central fire station was then deployed to the location about 15km away.
Upon arrival at the scene, senior fire officer I Abdul Rahman Rosliee reported that the accident occurred in front of a secondary school.
“The rider had fallen into a nearby drain after the collision and was confirmed dead at the scene by a medical officer,” Bomba said in a statement.
The SUV driver and passengers managed to exit the vehicle safely before firefighters arrived at the scene.
Firefighters retrieved the body from the drain and handed it over to the police for further action.
In a separate statement, Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the fatal accident is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
He said the preliminary investigation at the scene found that the SUV driver, 40, was travelling from Bintulu to Miri, when he is believed to have lost control of the vehicle upon reaching KM14 of the coastal road.
The vehicle then entered the opposite land and collided with the motorcycle travelling from Miri towards Bakong.
Mohd Farhan said the 43-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, while the SUV driver sustained injuries to his legs and face, and is currently receiving treatment at Miri Hospital.
He added that the accident occurred in a dark area with no street lighting.
He called on those with information related to accident to contact Traffic Investigation Officer Insp Nor Afifah Nordin on 019-5264640 or 085-430479, or go to the nearest police station.
He also advised road users to practise safe and cautious driving, especially ahead of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, and to always comply with road regulations to prevent endangering themselves and others.