At least 15 university students have been killed and more than 30 others injured after a bus they were travelling in collided with a minivan and overturned on a highway in Malaysia.
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 9 June, along the East–West Highway near Gerik in the northern state of Perak.
The students, from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), had been returning to campus after celebrating Eid al-Adha in the east coast state of Terengganu.
Authorities say the chartered bus, carrying 42 students, a driver, and an attendant, was travelling from Jerteh in Terengganu to the university in Tanjong Malim when it collided with a Perodua Alza minivan near KM 53 of the highway.
Thirteen students were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others died at Gerik Hospital. At least 31 people were injured in the crash.
Rescue services, including the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force and police, were called to the scene shortly after 1:00am local time. Emergency crews were forced to cut through the rear of the overturned bus to reach trapped passengers.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, but initial reports suggest the bus rear-ended the minivan before veering off the road and overturning. The minivan also ended up in a ditch at the roadside.
Police say they are investigating the crash under the Road Transport Act for dangerous driving causing death.
The incident marks one of the most serious road accidents in Malaysia in recent years. It comes just weeks after a separate crash involving members of the Federal Reserve Unit killed nine police personnel near Teluk Intan.
Perak Police Chief Noor Hisam Nordin confirmed the fatalities and said the case is being treated with utmost seriousness. A special investigation team involving the Royal Malaysian Police, Road Transport Department, Land Public Transport Agency, and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research has been formed.
There has been growing concern over the safety of the East–West Highway, which is known for its steep slopes, sharp bends and poor lighting, particularly at night.
The bus operator, Kenari Utara, issued a statement denying allegations that an unqualified backup driver had been used on the route. The company said both drivers assigned to the trip were experienced and certified.
The Higher Education Ministry said it would provide full support to the victims’ families, including financial assistance and help with funeral arrangements. The university has set up a special operations room and a hotline for families seeking information about their loved ones.
Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the public not to speculate on the cause of the incident until investigations are complete.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also extended his condolences and directed the relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation.
Students from various states had boarded the bus after the holiday break. One student narrowly escaped the accident after arriving late and missing the bus due to traffic congestion in Kota Bharu. Her mother said she was later informed that the bus had been involved in a deadly accident, and was overcome with emotion.
Calls have been growing in Malaysia for better safety measures on roads, especially for long-distance travel involving students. Suggestions include improving lighting along the highway, increasing the number of rest areas, and stricter vetting of chartered transport services.
A full report from the investigation is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the country remains in mourning as families prepare to bury their loved ones. UPSI has suspended non-essential university activities as students and staff come to terms with the tragedy.
This is one of the deadliest university-related transportation incidents Malaysia has faced in over a decade. Authorities have pledged to ensure that lessons are learned and action is taken to prevent such a loss of life in the future.
