Miri witnessed two tragic accidents during the first two days of the Gawai festival, casting a shadow over the celebratory period.
First Incident: Three-Vehicle Collision at Simpang Bekenu
On June 1st, at around 6:15 pm, a three-vehicle collision occurred at Simpang Bekenu, according to Miri District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu.
The initial investigation revealed that a 32-year-old driver, traveling from Bintulu towards Miri, attempted to overtake a vehicle but misjudged the maneuver. This resulted in a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.
The impact caused a chain reaction, with the overtaken vehicle skidding into the opposite lane and hitting another car. Sadly, the 32-year-old driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The occupants of the other two vehicles sustained minor injuries, while their vehicles suffered side damage.
Second Incident: Driver Loses Control on Jalan Pan Borneo
A separate accident was reported on June 2nd, at around 7:00 pm, on Jalan Pan Borneo near Simpang Ngu, Niah. This incident involved a single vehicle driven by a 22-year-old man traveling from Bintulu towards Miri.
According to ACP Alexson, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to skid leftward off the road. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by the attending medical officer.
Police Investigation Underway
The Miri Police Department has opened investigation papers for both accidents under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.