Tragic accident claims life of 7-year-old riding motorcycle with his brother

BALING: A Year One student lost his life while his older brother and a friend suffered serious injuries after their motorcycle was struck by a van in Kampung Charuk Putih on Thursday (Oct 17).

Authorities reported that the deceased, a seven-year-old boy, was seated in the middle of the motorcycle, which was operated by his 10-year-old brother, with their 10-year-old friend riding in the back. Acting Baling district police chief Supt Azmi Mokhtar explained that the incident occurred around 3:30 PM when the van, carrying three men who work as night market traders, was en route to Kampung Bandar while the motorcycle was traveling from Kampung Charuk Putih to Kampung Surau.

“At the scene, the motorcycle suddenly emerged from a side junction and attempted to turn right, leaving the van with no time to react and resulting in a collision,” he stated.

The impact caused the motorcycle rider to be thrown into a roadside drain, while the younger brother and their friend were pinned beneath the van’s front wheels.

The seven-year-old sustained critical head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while his brother suffered neck and body injuries, and their friend sustained a broken right leg along with other injuries.

Azmi reported that the 26-year-old van driver was injured in his legs and hands, while his two passengers, aged 46 and 22, were unharmed.

The deceased’s body was taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for an autopsy, and the injured victims were transported to Baling Hospital. The incident is currently under investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. – Bernama