A tragic accident early Wednesday morning claimed the life of a 33-year-old woman and left 13 others injured when the pickup truck they were traveling in lost control and plunged into a 15-meter-deep ravine at Permai Estate.
The group, which included seven men, seven women, and one boy—some seated in the truck’s cargo bed—were reportedly on their way to work when the driver lost control around 5:30 a.m.
Lahad Datu Fire Station Chief Sumsoa Rashid said firefighters received an emergency call at 5:53 a.m. and arrived on the scene by 6:08 a.m. Passersby had already helped to evacuate the victims from the vehicle.
Firefighters then transported the injured to the roadside, preparing them for medical treatment. Despite efforts by health officials, the 33-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been handed over to the police for further investigation.
The other 13 victims were sent to the hospital by ambulance for treatment. Fortunately, the driver escaped without injuries.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
