KOTA KINABALU (Sept 29): A senior citizen died after a Toyota Hilux reversed into a gorge along Jalan Bukit Kopungit here yesterday.
According to Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief ACP Kasim Muda, early investigation found that four people in their 60s were inside the pick-up when the incident occurred at 10.17pm.
Kasim said the driver had accidentally pulled down the handbrake of the unstarted Hilux, causing it to reverse into a gorge.
“The front passenger managed to jump out of the vehicle, while the driver and two passengers at the back were still inside when it reversed and fell into the 38-metre gorge.
“Firefighters managed to extract the driver and a back seat passenger who were trapped inside the vehicle.
“However, a back seat passenger believed to have jumped out the vehicle while it reversed, was found outside and was later pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene,” he said in a statement.
Kasim said preliminary investigation found the cause of the incident was due to the negligence of the driver in controlling the vehicle.
He said investigations are continuing under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless and dangerous driving.
Kota Kinabalu Fire and Rescue Station chief Ordine Gilu said 14 personnel rushed to the scene upon being alerted.
He said the deceased was identified as Bianus Asai, adding that a 62-year-old male passenger was injured and sent to the hospital for treatment.
