Squash matches suspended after buses ferrying athletes crash

KUALA LUMPUR: Two buses carrying Myanmar, Philippines and Thai players for the SEA Games squash competition were involved in an accident this morning.
City Traffic Investigation Department (JSPT) chief ACP Mohd Nadzri Hussain said the incident took place at 7.30am along the KL-Seremban Highway near the Bukit Jalil exit.
"The accident occurred after the buses picked up the squash athletes from Thailand, Philippines and Myanmar who were travelling from Putrajaya La Meridian Hotel to Bukit Jalil sports complex.
"On the way, the leading bus braked suddenly to avoid hitting a motorcycle that cut into its lane. The bus at the back rear-ended it," he said in a statement today.
The athletes were from Thailand (17), Myanmar (10) and the Phillipines (10).
Besides the two drivers there were three liaison officers during the minor collision.
"Seven Myanmar athletes suffered minor injuries and were brought to National Sports Council clinic (ISN) and the Myanmar squash coach suffered minor leg injuries. The injured athletes were allowed to go back to their base upon receiving treatment," he added.
He said a statement was recorded from the Myanmar squash manager.
"The liaison officers from the involved contingent were also interviewed. Both drivers lodged a police report about the incident," he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
It was reported that Filipino team manager Abad Santos said the buses had a police escort throughout the journey.
This initially led to the suspension of the men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles squash matches.
However, play resumed later at 3pm involving players not injured in the accident.