Twelve people survived after a Forestry Department lorry skidded and plunged into a five-metre-deep ravine at Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands
IPOH: Twelve people survived when a bonded lorry belonging to the Forestry Department skidded and plunged into a five-metre-deep ravine at Batu 7, Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands near Tapah.
Acting Perak Fire and Rescue Operations deputy director Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah said they received a call regarding the incident at 2.52pm.
A team from the Tapah Fire and Rescue Station took 53 minutes to reach the scene located 13 kilometres away.
The 12 victims comprised mountain guides, Orang Asli and staff from the Perak State Forestry Department.
“One of them was trapped in the lorry and was injured. The other 11 managed to escape on their own,” Shazlean said in a statement.
“One of them then headed to the main road to seek assistance. The trapped victim was later brought out on a stretcher, and all the victims were sent to the hospital.”
Tapah police chief Supt Johari Yahya said preliminary investigations found the lorry driver and 11 passengers were returning home after putting up signboards around Gunung Batu Putih.
He said the vehicle was winding its way down the hilly road in rainy weather when it skidded on the narrow and slippery path.
“The lorry spun several times before plunging into the five-metre-deep ravine,” he said in a separate statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Johari advised the public to be more vigilant and plan their journey properly, especially during the monsoon season. – Bernama
