The driver of the bus involved in the fatal crash that killed 15 people has come forward with his side of the story, saying he did everything he could to prevent the tragedy.

Speaking to reporters, Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle, who has been driving buses since 2016, explained that the bus lost all brake function during the descent on the winding Gerik-Jeli route.

“I tried everything, but once the air pressure was gone, nothing worked. The handbrake failed too, and I couldn’t even change gears,” he said.

Realising the danger, Amirul said he tried his best to avoid hitting other vehicles. He recalled swerving past at least four vehicles, including a lorry, before the bus finally crashed.

“The last vehicle I passed had a dashcam. I wasn’t speeding — I was trying to avoid a bigger disaster. But the road was curvy, and I had lost all control,” he said.

As the bus sped downhill, Amirul shouted to the students to prepare for impact.

“Those sitting in front may have heard me, but many at the back were sleeping. Some thought I was yelling out of anger.”

He believes the bus went nearly a kilometre without brakes. Despite knowing the route well, Amirul said he simply had no control left as they went downhill.

“I wasn’t speeding. I know this road. I did everything I could to stop what happened,” he added, his voice shaking.

When the bus overturned, Amirul briefly lost consciousness. After regaining awareness, he called out to the students and helped them escape through the shattered front windscreen.

“I crawled out and saw the students. I cried. I was heartbroken. But I take this as a test from God. I’ve never had an accident this serious in all my years of driving,” he said tearfully.

Now recovering from a fractured arm and awaiting surgery, Amirul says he feels deeply guilty and is fully cooperating with the authorities.

“I can’t change what happened. All I can do now is apologise and face whatever comes next.”

Police have confirmed that the bus rear-ended a Perodua Alza, which led to it overturning. The bus was carrying 42 students from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), along with a bus attendant and the driver.