A woman was killed while her six-year-old son suffered serious injuries after the motorcycle they were riding was allegedly struck by an out-of-control lorry at Kilometre 64 of Jalan Ibam-Rompin near the Kampung Kundang electrical substation on Wednesday.
Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi said the accident occurred at around 4.45pm and claimed the life of 31-year-old Normala Siti from RPS Kedaik, Kuala Rompin.
According to Sharif Shai, the victim was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at Hospital Muadzam Shah.
Her son, identified as Cheau Ket Daren, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital.
The 40-year-old lorry driver escaped unharmed.
Initial investigations revealed that the Hohan tipper lorry was travelling from Felda Selendang towards Muadzam Shah, while the victims were riding a Yamaha Y15ZR motorcycle from the opposite direction.
Police believe the lorry suddenly developed mechanical problems when its engine unexpectedly stalled upon reaching the scene.
Sharif Shai said the steering system was then believed to have malfunctioned, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle before it veered into the opposite lane and slammed into the motorcycle carrying the mother and child.
Both victims suffered severe injuries and were rushed to Hospital Muadzam Shah for emergency treatment.
However, Normala was pronounced dead at the hospital’s emergency unit at around 7.45pm.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Police are urging members of the public who witnessed the incident or possess information related to the crash to come forward and assist investigations by contacting the investigating officer at 017-9249261 or visiting the nearest police station.
The tragic accident has once again raised concerns over heavy vehicle safety and the dangers posed by mechanical failures on busy roads.
