A special task force found the fatal UPSI bus crash was caused by excessive speed and brake failure, with the vehicle lacking required safety devices.
KUALA LUMPUR: Excessive speed and brake failure have been identified as the causes of the tour bus crash that killed 15 Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) students last June.
The final report from the Transport Ministry’s Special Task Force found the bus was travelling at an estimated 114.7 kilometres per hour.
This far exceeded both the road’s 70 km/h design speed and the 60 km/h regulated speed limit for that route.
Video analysis from public vehicles near the crash site was used to determine the bus’s speed independently.
The report noted the bus was not equipped with a GPS, Speed Limiting Device, or dashcam, leaving no internal vehicle recordings.
It stated that aggressive braking at high speed caused brake components to overheat, progressively reducing effectiveness.
The combination of brake failure and excessive speed caused the bus to skid, overturn, and strike a road barrier.
Penetration of the barrier into the bus cabin was the primary mechanism increasing injury severity and fatalities.
Toxicology tests confirmed the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Investigations found maintenance was done by a workshop not accredited for critical brake and wheel hub work.
Periodic inspection records showed the bus passed a Puspakom check with 59% brake efficiency in April 2025.
However, the report said this static test could not detect potential brake fade under heavy load and high speed.
