A tragic road accident early this morning claimed the lives of at least 15 people following a collision between a Perodua Alza and a bus carrying students from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI).

The Hulu Perak Civil Defence Force said it received an emergency call that a bus had overturned.
The Hulu Perak Civil Defence Force said it received an emergency call that a bus had overturned.
Image credits: Fire and rescue department

The fatal crash occurred on the Gerik-Jeli East West Highway, near Tasik Banding. According to Bernama, the bus was en route from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, when the accident happened.

The Hulu Perak Civil Defence Force said it received an emergency call from Gerik Hospital at 1.10am. Responders arrived to find that the bus had overturned after colliding with the MPV.

The crash involved a Perodua Alza and a bus of UPSI students.
The crash involved a Perodua Alza and a bus of UPSI students.
Image credits: Fire and rescue department

“Several injured victims were rushed to Gerik Hospital. Among them were those with broken arms, broken legs and minor injuries,” the statement said.

Out of the 48 individuals involved, 13 died at the scene, while 2 others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.  NST reported that 2 victims are being treated in the red zone (critical), 20 in the yellow zone (semi-critical), and 6 in the green zone (stable).

Following the incident, UPSI has also made a statement regarding the ordeal, revealing that necessary actions have been taken to facilitate any form of investigations that are ongoing.

victims of the crash suffering minor injuries and some with broken limbs.
13 victims were pronounced dead on the scene while 2 others succumbed to their injuries while on the way to the hospital. Many have also suffered injuries including broken limbs.
Image credits: Fire and rescue department

Our deepest condolences to the families who are affected and we strongly urge for netizens to respect the victims’ privacy.