Drink-driving military officer arrested after wrong-way crash kills e-hailing passenger on MEX Highway

PETALING JAYA - A 31-year-old military officer is believed to have been driving against traffic while under the influence of alcohol, leading to a fatal crash at KM1.9 of the Maju Expressway (MEX) early Thursday (April 23) morning.

Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said a breathalyser test found the driver had exceeded the permitted alcohol limit.

“Preliminary investigations found that the car driven by the suspect is believed to have entered the opposite lane before colliding head-on with an e-hailing MPV travelling straight on the left lane,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

The crash claimed the life of a 22-year-old Bangladeshi passenger, who was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries.

“The MPV was carrying two Bangladeshi passengers, a 22-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman who had just arrived from KL International Airport (KLIA).”

“The male passenger, who was seated in the middle row, was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries. The female passenger sustained bodily injuries and is receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital,” he said.

ACP Mohd Zamzuri added that the 41-year-old e-hailing driver suffered head injuries, while the suspect sustained minor injuries.

“A 36-year-old local woman who was in the car was also injured. All those hurt were taken to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment,” he said.

He added that a urine screening test on the suspect returned negative for drugs.

“The driver has been arrested and the case is being investigated under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment 2020),” he said. - THE STAR