Five Chinese nationals were injured after the car they were travelling in plunged into a ravine approximately seven metres deep at a culvert construction site along Kilometre 41 of the Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Road in Machang on Wednesday night. The incident is believed to have occurred after the vehicle relied on a navigation application which led it into an unfinished and closed-off construction area.
Machang District Police Chief, Superintendent Azuhar Md Nor, said police received information from the public regarding the incident at 12.01am on Thursday. Preliminary investigations showed the crash happened at about 11.50pm when a Toyota Prius driven by a 66-year-old Chinese national was travelling with four passengers, all also from China, en route from Temangan in Machang towards Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh.
Authorities believe the driver was using a digital navigation map when the vehicle mistakenly entered the active construction zone for a culvert project that had not yet been opened to the public. Such incidents highlight the increasing dependence on navigation technology, which, while useful, can sometimes lead motorists into restricted or hazardous areas if road conditions are not updated in real time.
As a result of the navigation error, the vehicle reportedly lost its path and went over the edge of the site before crashing into the ravine. The sudden fall left the car overturned, causing injuries to all five occupants comprising three men and two women aged between 40 and 66 years.
All victims were subsequently transported to Machang Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not disclosed the severity of their injuries but confirmed that they were receiving further care. Road accidents involving construction zones continue to pose significant risks, particularly when warning signage and barriers are overlooked or not clearly identified by motorists.
The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Police have also reminded road users to remain vigilant, especially when approaching construction areas, and to observe all warning signs, cones, and barricades placed for safety purposes.
Superintendent Azuhar further advised motorists not to rely entirely on navigation applications, particularly when driving at night, as such systems may not always reflect temporary road closures or ongoing construction works. He also expressed appreciation to members of the public who promptly relayed information, enabling swift response and rescue efforts at the scene. Anyone with additional information has been urged to contact the investigating officer or the nearest police station to assist in ongoing investigations.
