A trailer driver tested positive for methamphetamine after a multi-vehicle collision on the North-South Expressway that left eight people injured.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police have detained a trailer lorry driver for driving under the influence of drugs following a serious four-vehicle crash on the North-South Expressway.
The 28-year-old local man was detained after a urine test returned positive for methamphetamine, according to Seberang Perai Tengah police chief ACP Helmi Aris.
A remand order was granted at the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court, allowing the suspect to be held for four days until March 18 to assist with the investigation.
The case is being probed under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence of drugs and causing an accident.
Police received information about the incident at approximately 3.15 pm yesterday at Kilometre 137.4 of the northbound expressway.
Initial investigations indicate the trailer, travelling from Juru towards Seberang Jaya, is believed to have lost control before the collision.
The trailer subsequently rammed into the rear of a Honda BR-V in the right lane, dragging the vehicle before crashing into two other cars ahead.
The impact caused a Proton X50 to overturn and land in a roadside drain on the right side of the road.
Three occupants of the Honda BR-V sustained serious injuries to the head, chest, and legs, while five other individuals suffered minor injuries.
All eight victims were transported to Seberang Jaya Hospital for medical treatment.
Helmi urged anyone with information regarding the accident to contact traffic investigating officer Insp S. Saravanan or their nearest police station.
The accident yesterday caused a severe traffic jam stretching nine kilometres along the northbound expressway between Juru and Permatang Pauh.
