PITAS: Three children were killed and four others injured after the four-wheel drive vehicle they were in swerved and turned turtle at the roadside of Kampung Bangkau-Bangkau near here, this morning.
The three were a seven-year-old boy and two girls, both aged 10, who died on the spot. Their bodies were pinned in the vehicle in the 9.50am accident. Their identities have yet to be revealed by authorities.
It was learnt that those who died, were on their way to a picnic with their uncle and aunt and two other children, all related, at a nearby beach.
The uncle and aunt, 25 and 22-years-old respectively, and the two surviving children, are being treated at the district hospital and are reportedly stable.
The aunt said she was sitting at the front and her husband was driving, while the five were at the open rear end of the vehicle when they left Kampung Pantai Kanibongan.
“Initially, we promised to bring the children for a picnic in Pantai Terenggu during the school holidays.
“We never expected this would happen,” she said.
Recalling the accident, she said it happened so fast at the unpaved road that by the time she got out of the car to check on the children, she found the three unconscious and trapped inside the car.
“We called for help and were unable to do anything as fire and rescue team members retrieved their bodies.
“We could not even fulfill our promise to bring them for the picnic and now we feel so guilty over what happened,” said the aunt.
Kota Marudu district police chief Superintendent Mohd Izaan Abdullah, when contacted, said it was believed the driver lost control of the vehicle.
“Further investigations are being conducted according to Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (causing death by reckless driving) ,” he added.
