Malaysia bus crash leaves at least 15 dead, mostly students

Malaysia bus crash leaves at least 15 dead, mostly students
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A tragic bus crash in northern Malaysia has claimed the lives of at least 15 people, mostly university students, Arab News reported. The accident occurred shortly after 1:00 am near the town of Gerik on the East-West Highway, close to the Thai border. The bus, carrying students from Sultan Idris Education University, collided with a minivan, resulting in 13 deaths at the scene and two more in hospital.

Emergency responders described the bus as having lost control and hitting the minivan from behind. Rescue teams used hydraulic cutters to free victims trapped inside the overturned green bus. Among the deceased were 14 students aged between 21 and 23, along with a bus attendant. Thirty-three others were injured, with seven in critical condition.

Police are investigating whether human error or a technical fault caused the crash. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes with passengers trapped and calling for help. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences and urged greater caution on the country’s roads, which see an average of 18 fatalities daily. The East-West Highway is known for frequent accidents due to challenging conditions and wildlife crossings. This incident marks Malaysia’s deadliest road accident in over a decade.