Bulldozer driver crushed to death in Long Seridan mishap, says Sarawak Fire Dept

Miri, September 14 — A 45-year-old man named Mancha Lingan perished after the bulldozer he was operating lost control, resulting in his tragic demise as he was crushed beneath its tracks. This catastrophic incident occurred in Long Seridan, Marudi, yesterday afternoon. Promptly upon receiving police information, the Marudi fire station dispatched a team of four firefighters to the remote location, which was approximately 261 kilometers away.

Due to the challenging terrain comprising a slippery and pothole-infested logging road, it took the firefighters over seven hours to reach the scene around 9:49 PM. Senior fire officer I Erec Unyi reported that upon their arrival, a medical assistant from Long Seridan Clinic had already confirmed the victim's death. The identity of the victim was confirmed as Mancha Lingan, hailing from Rumah Lingan Ulu Sangan, Tatau.

Despite the initial attempts to free the victim, the rescue operation was unsuccessful. The fire department then sought assistance from a mechanic employed by Shin Yang company, who utilized wielding gas and oxygen equipment to dislodge the bulldozer’s crawler track chain, thus enabling the extraction. The body was subsequently handed over to the auxiliary police for further handling and subsequently transported to Marudi Hospital.

DSP Nor Aizan Mohd Jamil, the Marudi police chief, disclosed that the incident is being examined under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which pertains to causing death by reckless or hazardous driving. He further stated that the police are currently conducting a thorough investigation, which includes tracing witnesses, recording statements from all parties involved, and have impounded the vehicle at the Marudi Police Station for additional scrutiny.