Three family members killed after Immigration truck allegedly runs red light in KL
Three members of a family, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed after an Immigration Department truck allegedly entered a red light at a Kuala Lumpur junction before colliding with a car and hitting four pedestrians.
MALAYSIA: Three members of the same family were killed after a Malaysian Immigration Department truck allegedly entered a junction against a red light and collided with a car before striking four pedestrians in Kuala Lumpur early Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
The victims were a 53-year-old man and his two daughters, aged 25 and 12.
They died at the scene following the crash at the Maju Junction traffic-light intersection along Jalan Sultan Ismail at about 1am.
The man's 55-year-old wife was injured in the collision, suffering injuries to her head, arm and both legs.
She was taken to Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), where she was receiving treatment in the Red Zone.
Truck collided with car before hitting family
According to Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa, the crash involved an unladen Isuzu Black Maria truck operated by the Immigration Department, a Proton Saga, an Inokom Matrix and four pedestrians.
Mohd Zamzuri said preliminary investigations found that the Immigration Department truck was travelling from the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Office towards Chow Kit for an operation targeting undocumented migrants.
The truck was driven by a 43-year-old local man and allegedly entered the intersection against a red traffic light while its beacon lights and siren were activated, according to police.
At the same time, a Proton Saga driven by a 50-year-old local man was travelling straight through the junction after receiving a green light.
Police said the Proton Saga was unable to avoid the Immigration truck, resulting in a collision in the middle of the intersection.
The impact caused the Immigration truck to lose control and veer off course before striking the four pedestrians, who were members of the same family.
The truck also collided with an Inokom Matrix driven by a 38-year-old local man at the intersection.
All three drivers escaped without injuries.
Two drivers detained
Police detained the Immigration truck driver and the Proton Saga driver to assist with investigations into the crash.
Mohd Zamzuri said breathalyser tests and preliminary urine screenings conducted on both drivers were negative for alcohol and drugs.
Investigators inspected the scene, obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and began tracing independent witnesses. The vehicles involved were also taken for further inspection.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of Malaysia's Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
Anwar orders investigation
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Immigration Department to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the fatal crash.
In a report by Bernama, Anwar said appropriate action should be taken if the investigation establishes negligence or any breach of the law.
He also conveyed his condolences to the victims' family.
The directive came as police continued investigating the circumstances of the collision and the actions of the drivers involved.
Public raises concerns over road safety
The crash has prompted discussion over the precautions that should be taken by enforcement and emergency vehicle drivers when approaching traffic-light intersections with sirens and warning lights activated.
Several social media users questioned whether vehicles using sirens and beacon lights should proceed through a red light without first ensuring that the intersection is clear.
Some users stressed that drivers should slow down and assess surrounding traffic before entering an intersection, regardless of whether they are responding to an emergency or enforcement operation.
Others pointed out that motorists may not always hear or determine the direction of a siren, particularly in busy urban areas or when vehicle windows are closed and radios are playing.
