Cops to set up task force to probe fatal Gerik crash
audreymd@nst.com.my
GERIK: Police will set up a task force comprising technical experts from various agencies to probe the fatal crash involving an express bus and an MPV, which killed 15 people here early this morning.
Bukit Aman Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the police-led task force would include experts from the Road Transport Department, the Land Public Transport Agency, Puspakom, the Chemistry Department, the Health Ministry, the Works Ministry, and the state Works Department.
He said the team will support the police's probe into the accident.
"(The team will) help complete the investigation papers as soon as possible so that we can bring the driver to court," he told reporters after visiting survivors at the Gerik Hospital.
"To members of the public, if you have any information related to the accident, please come forward to the police to assist with the investigation.
"Please avoid spreading information about the incident through social media or mass media as it can create confusion and interfere with the investigation."
Asked if the driver had any previous traffic record, Yusri said the matter was still in the early stage of investigation.
"We will be looking into all aspects: the driver's record, his background, his previous activities, and his employment history.
"So far, I can only say that we will complete the investigation papers and examine the matter from every angle, to ensure the prosecution can proceed in court smoothly and effectively," he added.
Asked on the ill-fated bus's maintenance record, Yusri said the task force would gather all necessary reports, including details about the bus, its condition, the driver, and more.
"That is all the information I can share at this time," he said.
Earlier, 14 UPSI students and a bus assistant were confirmed dead and seven others seriously injured when the bus they were travelling in overturned along Jalan Jeli-Gerik near Tasik Banding early this morning.
The chartered bus was carrying 42 UPSI students who were travelling from Terengganu back to the university's campus in Tanjung Malim.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus hit a Perodua Alza from behind before the driver lost control and the vehicle skidded off the road.
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