Nineteen passengers had a frightening experience after the bus they were travelling in was involved in an accident at KM77 of the Kuantan–Segamat Road near Runchang, Pekan, on Friday.
Pekan District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin said the incident occurred at about 4pm while the 53-year-old bus driver was transporting passengers from Muadzam Shah Vocational College to a hotel in Pekan to attend a retirement ceremony.
Initial investigations found that a 36-year-old man driving a Proton Saga from Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, towards Kuantan had stopped abruptly after encountering traffic congestion caused by a fallen tree blocking part of the road.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle driven by a 40-year-old man travelling behind the Proton Saga also came to a stop before the bus, which was travelling in the same direction, crashed into the rear of the SUV before skidding and veering off to the left side of the road.
The impact left the bus driver with injuries to his hand, and he was taken to Muadzam Shah Hospital for treatment.
All 19 passengers on board escaped the incident without injuries.
Mohd Zaidi said the case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Authorities have reminded motorists to remain alert and maintain a safe following distance, particularly when travelling in areas affected by unexpected road hazards or adverse traffic conditions.
