Four killed after car carrying three foreign nationals collides with lorry in Telupid

Kota Kinabalu, September 9 - Four individuals lost their lives when a car collided with a lorry in Kampung Gambaron, Telupid, approximately 230 kilometers from the city center, according to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre. The crash occurred at around 7:28 am, involving two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

Seven firefighters from Beluran Fire and Rescue Station made the journey to the incident site, but faced challenges due to limited telephone coverage and Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN) connectivity. Firefighters, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and Civil Defence Force worked together to extricate the four victims from the car, who were pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel from the Health Ministry (MOH).

The identities and genders of the victims have not been revealed yet, and their bodies were handed over to the PDRM for further procedures. The lorry driver sustained minor injuries and received initial medical attention from MOH personnel before being taken to the Telupid Health Clinic. The rescue operation concluded at 9:58 am after ensuring the safety of the scene and eliminating any potential hazards.

Telupid is an inland district in Sabah, while Sandakan, the closest major town, is about 130 kilometers away. Responding to the incident, Beluran district police chief Supt Hasan Majid revealed that the 63-year-old local man driving the car was traveling with three foreign nationals, all of whom perished in the crash. The 44-year-old local driver of the lorry sustained injuries to his legs and hands.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the car, en route from Beluran toward Telupid town, lost control while navigating a bend, subsequently crossing into the opposite lane and colliding with the lorry heading to work from Kampung Gambaron towards Gerak Maju Reality. The Beluran district police headquarters' Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division is leading the investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Anyone with information or dashcam recordings is encouraged to assist the investigation by contacting Insp Alpius @ Nickee Bin Yakim at 019-8707626 or visiting the nearest police station.