LAHAD DATU: Two men died after their car veered off the road and plunged into the sea at Jalan Batu 7, Kampung Payang, Lahad Datu, last night.
The victims, identified as Edwin and Chan Wai Hou aged approximately 25 and 66 respectively, were discovered following the search and rescue (SAR) operation conducted by the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department.
The state fire operation centre's assistant chief, Riki Mohan Singh Ramday, said they received an emergency call regarding the incident at 10.50pm.
He said that eight members, including officers with vehicles from the Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station, were dispatched to the scene.
"The accident involved a Perodua Myvi car believed to have veered off the road on its own and plunged into the sea. Upon receiving the call, it was reported that there were two victims in the car.
"The fire brigade team conducted a rescue operation with the assistance of boats and divers from Synergy Multi Resources Sdn Bhd," he said when contacted today.
He said the first dive successfully pulled one victim out of the car and brought him up at 12.06am.
"The next stage was to hook a rope to the Myvi car and use a winching mechanism to drag it to shallower areas in search of the second casualty.
"The team conducted the second dive, and the second victim was found at 1.31am."
Riki said that both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
"The victims were handed over to the police for further action, and the operation ended at 1.58am."
The police force from the Lahad Datu District Police Headquarters also assisted in the SAR operation.
