The tranquility of a Monday night on Malaysia’s North-South Expressway was shattered by a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision near the Ayer Keroh Rest and Service Area. The devastating crash, occurring around 8:30 pm, claimed the lives of seven individuals, including five members of a single family, and left 33 others injured. The incident involved a complex interplay of vehicles, including a lorry, a southbound tour bus carrying 27 passengers, and three northbound vehicles: a Toyota Estima MPV, a Nissan trailer, and a Perodua Bezza sedan. The chain of events began with the detachment of the lorry’s front right tyre, which landed in the middle lane of the expressway.
The errant tyre became a fateful obstacle for the approaching tour bus. Upon striking the detached tyre, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle, careening across the highway and into the oncoming northbound traffic. The uncontrolled bus then collided with the Perodua Bezza, the Nissan trailer, and tragically, the Toyota Estima MPV carrying a family of eight. The impact of the collisions resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life. Six of the deceased were identified as Malaysian citizens, while the identity of the seventh victim, a passenger on the tour bus, remained unconfirmed at the time of the initial reports.
The Toyota Estima MPV bore the brunt of the tragedy, with five of its occupants losing their lives. The deceased included the driver, 32-year-old Khairul Ikhwan Mazupi; his wife, Fadzlenna Ramli, also 32; their two-year-old son, Muhmmad Umar; and Fadzlenna’s parents, 66-year-old Ramli Ab Wahab and his wife, whose name was not immediately released. The family, returning from a trip to Malacca, saw their journey end in unimaginable heartbreak. Miraculously, two of Khairul’s children, aged four and seven, survived the horrific crash and were receiving medical treatment at Melaka Hospital. Another passenger in the MPV, believed to be Khairul’s nephew, also survived but sustained injuries. His identity was yet to be officially confirmed.
Adding to the profound sense of loss, the driver of the tour bus, 56-year-old Noorisnien Khamid from Johor, also perished in the accident. The bodies of all the deceased were transported to the Melaka Hospital’s Forensic Department for post-mortem examinations. The 33 individuals injured in the collision were distributed across three medical facilities: Melaka Hospital, Alor Gajah Hospital, and Hospital Pantai Ayer Keroh, underscoring the scale of the emergency response required.
The authorities initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. As part of the investigation, all vehicles involved were impounded and scheduled for inspection at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom). The investigation is being conducted under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which addresses causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of even momentary lapses in attention or vehicle maintenance.
The aftermath of the crash brought the North-South Expressway to a standstill. Significant traffic congestion ensued, with northbound traffic reportedly backed up for 10km and southbound traffic experiencing slowdowns for 6km, according to Plus Malaysia, the expressway operator. The extensive traffic disruption highlighted the far-reaching impact of the accident, affecting countless travelers and underscoring the crucial role of the expressway in the region’s transportation network. The tragic loss of life and the widespread disruption caused by the accident left a somber pall over the community, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.
