Five Chinese Nationals Injured After Car Plunges Into Seven-Metre Deep Hole

MACHANG: Five Chinese nationals were injured after the sport utility vehicle (SUV) they were travelling in skidded and fell into a culvert construction site seven metres deep at Kilometre 41, Jalan Kota Bharu-Kuala Krai, late last night.

Machang District Police Chief, Superintendent Azuhar Md Nor said preliminary investigations found that the accident occurred at around 11.50 p.m. when a Toyota Prius driven by a 66-year-old Chinese man, together with four passengers, was travelling from Temangan, Machang, heading to Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh, guided by a navigation map application.

“The vehicle then entered the culvert construction site area, which is still under construction and not yet open to the public, before plunging into the ravine.

“Police received a report regarding the incident from a member of the public at 12.01 a.m.,” he said in a statement today.

He said all victims, comprising three men and two women aged between 40 and 66, sustained injuries and were rushed to Machang Hospital for further treatment.

“The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he said.

In this regard, he advised all road users to always be aware of warning signs, safety cones and barriers at construction work sites, and not to rely solely on navigation applications, especially when driving at night.

“Police also extend their appreciation to the members of the public who provided initial information, enabling swift action to be taken to rescue the victims,” he said.

Members of the public with information regarding the incident are requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Inspector Fatin Nurhanis Ibrahim, at 09-9751222 or any nearby police station to assist with the investigation.

Harian Metro