Tragic accident on Malaysia’s North-South Highway claims life of Indian tourist and injures four passengers

MALAYSIA – In a devastating incident on the early morning of Saturday (13 Jan), an express bus traveling on the North-South Highway near Alor Gajah, Malaysia, burst into flames after colliding with a motorcycle.

District police chief Arshad Abu reported that the crash occurred at KM198 (northbound) and resulted in the loss of life of a 17-year-old Indian national tourist. The victim sustained burns and was pronounced dead while receiving treatment. The deceased’s body has been sent to Malacca Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The express bus, carrying 28 passengers on a journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, collided with a motorcycle lying on the roadside, dragging it for several meters before igniting.

Notably, an earlier accident involving a 21-year-old motorcyclist had occurred at the same spot. However, the motorcyclist skillfully avoided harm by dodging the out-of-control machine.

Among the bus passengers, three individuals seated in the back suffered burns and were trapped. The injured, aged between 17 and 69, including the deceased, were family members, with one being a Singaporean.

All injured parties, including the motorcyclist, were promptly transported to Alor Gajah Hospital for treatment.

Responding to a distress call at 3.55 am, the Ayer Keroh Fire and Rescue Station deployed 21 firefighters to manage the blazing inferno. Investigations into the incident are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances leading to the tragic collision and subsequent fire.