Doctor, Toddler Daughter Among Three Killed in Tragic Three-Vehicle Collision Near Pekan

PEKAN:  A devastating three-vehicle crash along Jalan Kuantan-Segamat near Pekan claimed the lives of three people, including a doctor and his young daughter, while six others were injured on Friday evening.

The fatal accident occurred at approximately 6pm at Kilometre 67 of the highway.

Pekan district police chief Superintendent Mohd Zaidi Mat Zain identified the victims as Dr Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy Mohd Atan, 33, a medical officer attached to Segamat Hospital in Johor, and Azaharuddin Mohd Ali, 46, a senior officer with the Inland Revenue Board based in Cyberjaya, Selangor.

Dr Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy’s two-year-old daughter, Dhea Sofia, later succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment at the Chini Health Clinic.

According to preliminary investigations, both Dr Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy and Azaharuddin were travelling from Segamat towards Kuantan when the crash occurred.

Police believe a pickup truck travelling in the opposite direction, from Kuantan towards Muadzam Shah, attempted to overtake a lorry before hitting a puddle on the road. The vehicle reportedly lost control, veered into the opposite lane, and collided with the two oncoming vehicles.

Three members of Dr Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy’s family his wife, mother-in-law, and father-in-law sustained injuries in the crash.

Also injured were Azaharuddin’s wife and son, who were passengers in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), as well as the 31-year-old pickup truck driver.

All injured victims were taken to Pekan Hospital for treatment.

The bodies of the three deceased victims were also sent to the same hospital for post-mortem examinations.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which relates to causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.