Bus Carrying UPSI Students Was Speeding at Nearly Double the Limit Before Fatal Gerik Crash: Transport Ministry Report

GERIK, Jan 23: A bus crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students last year was caused by a combination of excessive speed, mechanical failure, unsafe road conditions, and systemic regulatory weaknesses, according to a Transport Ministry investigation report released on Friday.

The report revealed that the bus was travelling at approximately 114.7 kilometers per hour while entering a curve with a posted speed limit of 60 kph, nearly double the allowed speed. Investigators used kinematic analysis and dashcam footage from another vehicle to determine the bus’s speed at the time of the accident.

The crash occurred on June 9, 2025, in Gerik and involved 48 individuals, including 42 UPSI students, the bus driver, an attendant, and four occupants of another vehicle. Fifteen students were killed in the incident.

According to the ministry, the tragedy was the result of multiple contributing factors, including mechanical defects, human error, environmental challenges, and organizational shortcomings.

The report found that the bus’s braking system was in poor condition, citing deformation and wear of the rear left brake drum, grease contamination on the brake lining, and inconsistencies in the lining material. These issues significantly reduced braking effectiveness and accelerated brake fade, leading to loss of vehicle control.

Investigators also highlighted challenging road conditions, weaknesses in the design and installation of road barriers, and the structural failure of the bus cabin, all of which worsened the severity of the impact and resulting injuries.

In addition, the bus was found to be operating without dashboard cameras or GPS tracking systems, while illegal operating practices and non-compliance with safety requirements were also identified.

The ministry said shortcomings in regulation and enforcement reflected systemic issues within the tourism transport industry, calling for comprehensive reforms to improve passenger safety.

“All of these factors collectively contributed to this tragic incident and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive improvements to enhance passenger safety and restore public confidence in the road transport system,” the report stated.