Penang Police Detain Driver in Fatal Container Accident

Accident Leads to Tragic Fatality in Bukit Mertajam BUKIT MERTAJAM

Authorities in Penang have detained a trailer driver whose container toppled and caused the death of a woman at an intersection on Jalan Bukit Tengah on Wednesday, Nov 13.

Driver Detained for Investigation

 According to ACP Helmi Aris, the district police chief of Seberang Perai Tengah, the 51-year-old driver was arrested to facilitate further investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Preliminary Test Results and Remand Application 

A preliminary test for drugs and alcohol returned negative results. However, police have applied for a remand at the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Appeal for Witnesses

Helmi urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and assist the investigation by contacting Insp Mohd Shahid Othman at 0172670543 or visiting a nearby police station.

The Victim and Injuries from the Accident 

The woman, who was on her way to work, was fatally crushed when the container fell after the trailer lost control. In a separate incident, a man suffered serious injuries when his vehicle collided as a result of the accident, which involved five other vehicles.

Details of the Accident 

The deceased, Lee Zi Rou, 21, was driving a Perodua Bezza, while the injured individual, Tan Chou Theng, 25, was driving a Honda Jazz.

How the Accident Occurred 

Helmi explained that the incident occurred at around 9:30 AM when five cars and a lorry were waiting at a traffic light on Jalan Kebun Sirih. A trailer traveling from Jalan Bukit Tengah made a sudden left turn and lost control, causing the container to fall onto two vehicles at the intersection. This impact pushed the cars backwards, resulting in collisions with three other vehicles and a lorry.