Bus driver apologises for fatal UPSI crash, blames sudden brake failure
Speaking to reporters, the 39-year-old driver expressed regret for the devastating incident.
SHAH ALAM – The bus driver involved in a tragic crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students has publicly apologised for the devastating incident.
Speaking to reporters, the 39-year-old driver expressed regret for the devastating incident.
"I would like to apologise to all the victims’ families and the students involved in yesterday morning’s crash.
"What happened was due to a sudden failure of the bus brakes,” he was quoted as saying.
The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, was transporting students returning from a university programme when it veered off the road and overturned along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding in Gerik.
According to the driver, the bus’s brakes malfunctioned as it descended a slope, leaving him unable to prevent the crash.
“The bus was in good condition when we started the journey, but suddenly, while crossing the elephant crossing bridge in Gerik, the brakes failed and I couldn’t change gears.
"I started my career as a bus driver in 2016 and this is the first time I have been involved in an accident that resulted in loss of lives,” he said.
Currently, the driver is awaiting surgery for his broken left arm, sustained during the crash, at Taiping Hospital, Perak.
Amid the tragedy, records revealed the driver had 18 unsettled traffic summonses, including several for speeding.
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