80-Year-Old Woman Loses Control of SUV While Trying to Park
An unexpected and alarming incident occurred this morning at the bustling Batu 3 Bazaar in Kuching. An 80-year-old woman, attempting to park her SUV, lost control and collided with ten vehicles. This shocking event, which took place around 9:45 AM, has left many residents and visitors of the bazaar in a state of disbelief.
The Incident Unfolds
Driver Mistakes Gas Pedal for Brake
According to Padawan District Police Chief, Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz Md Radzi, the elderly driver was accompanied by her husband in the passenger seat. As she attempted to park her vehicle, she mistakenly pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake. The SUV lurched forward uncontrollably, mounting the shoulder of the road and the footpath before crashing into ten parked cars in front of a row of shops.
Immediate Aftermath
The sudden acceleration and subsequent collisions caused significant damage to the parked vehicles. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the sound of metal crunching and the sight of the SUV plowing through the parked cars drawing immediate attention. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among pedestrians or bystanders.
Police Response and Investigation
Authorities on the Scene
The police were promptly called to the scene to manage the situation and provide assistance. Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz Md Radzi emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident. The police chief also advised the owners of the damaged vehicles to file a police report to facilitate the investigation and insurance claims.
Preliminary Findings
Initial reports suggest that the accident was purely accidental, with no indications of foul play or intentional harm. The elderly driver, visibly shaken by the incident, cooperated with the authorities and provided her account of the events. Her husband, who was in the passenger seat during the accident, also confirmed the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Community Reaction
Shock and Concern
The local community and frequent visitors to the Batu 3 Bazaar expressed their shock and concern over the incident. Many voiced their sympathy for the elderly driver, acknowledging the challenges and risks associated with driving at an advanced age. However, there were also calls for stricter regulations and periodic assessments for elderly drivers to ensure road safety.
Impact on the Bazaar
The accident temporarily disrupted the usual hustle and bustle of the bazaar. Shop owners and vendors near the crash site had to deal with the aftermath, including damage to their storefronts and the temporary loss of business. Despite the disruption, the community came together to support those affected and to assist in the cleanup efforts.
Moving Forward
Safety Measures and Awareness
In light of this incident, discussions on improving safety measures and increasing awareness about the challenges faced by elderly drivers have gained momentum. Authorities may consider implementing regular driving assessments for senior citizens to ensure they are still fit to drive and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Support for the Affected
The local government and community organizations have offered support to those whose vehicles were damaged in the crash. Efforts are being made to expedite the insurance claims process and provide temporary transportation solutions for those impacted.
Conclusion
The crash at Batu 3 Bazaar serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continuous education and assessment for all drivers, particularly the elderly. As the investigation continues, the community remains united in its support for the affected individuals and in its resolve to prevent such incidents in the future.