15 UPSI students killed in tragic bus-MPV collision on East-West Highway in Gerik

At least 15 people were killed after a bus carrying Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students collided with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) along the East-West Highway in Banun, Gerik, Perak, in the early hours of Monday (9 June).

The bus had been travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu, to UPSI’s main campus in Tanjung Malim when the accident occurred.

The Hulu Perak operations control centre of the Civil Defence Force (APM) reported receiving an emergency call from Gerik Hospital at 1.10am.

Victims and survivors

A total of 48 people were involved in the crash: 42 UPSI students, four MPV occupants, and the bus driver and attendant.

According to Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon, 13 victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two more succumbed to injuries later in hospital. All 15 fatalities were UPSI students.

Two victims are reported to be in critical condition, 20 in semi-critical condition, and six stable, according to the New Straits Times.

Rescue operation

Sayani explained that both vehicles had been travelling in the same direction from Jeli to Gerik when the collision occurred.

The impact caused the bus to overturn, while the MPV skidded into a ditch.

“Some victims managed to exit the vehicle on their own, some were thrown out, while others remained trapped inside the bus,” she said.

Firefighters used hydraulic cutters to prise open the rear of the bus and free trapped passengers. Survivors were stabilised on site before being transferred to Gerik Hospital by Health Ministry personnel.

Students returning from Aidiladha break

UPSI Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Norkhalid Salimin said most of the students on board were returning to campus after celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha with their families.

The university’s communications office noted that 44 students had originally been scheduled to travel, but two did not board the bus.

Leaders express condolences

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered his condolences to the bereaved families on Monday morning.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims. We hope you find strength and resilience during this incredibly difficult time,” he said, adding that the Higher Education Ministry had been instructed to extend assistance to affected families.

Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir also conveyed his sympathies, pledging full ministry support.

Bus operator: Vehicle was roadworthy

The ill-fated bus was one of two chartered by UPSI students for their return journey.

A spokesperson for the Kota Baru-based bus company said both vehicles had been well maintained, with valid travel documents.

“All four drivers and assistants involved – two per bus – were experienced and held valid licences. The driver and assistant of the ill-fated bus had more than 10 years of experience,” the spokesperson said.

The company pledged full cooperation with investigators.

Special task force to investigate

Police have formed a special task force to determine the cause of the crash.

Bukit Aman Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the team would include representatives from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), Puspakom, the Chemistry Department, the Health Ministry, the Works Ministry, and the Perak Works Department.

The task force will assist police in compiling evidence for potential prosecution.

“To members of the public, if you have any information related to the accident, please come forward to the police. Please avoid spreading unverified information on social media as it can create confusion and interfere with the investigation,” Yusri said during a visit to survivors at Gerik Hospital.

He added that the driver’s background and record would also be reviewed as part of the probe.