BALIK PULAU, September 25 — A tragic accident occurred in Bukit Genting, Penang, resulting in the death of a Singaporean woman and injuries to 10 others. The incident transpired when a tourist van skidded off a winding road, plunging into a ravine over six meters deep. N. Prenavaran, the Operations chief of Seri Balik Pulau Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), reported that they received an alert about the road accident at 8:20 pm, and their rescue team arrived at the scene just 10 minutes later.
Upon reaching the location, rescuers faced the challenge of a hilly terrain, making it impossible for fire engines to access the site. Consequently, firefighters had to embark on a 15-minute climb with stretchers and emergency equipment. Tragically, one woman lost her life in the accident, while seven remained trapped inside the vehicle. Three others were successfully lifted to safety with the assistance of the public. To extract a female victim stuck next to the driver’s seat, fire personnel had to employ special equipment to cut through the dashboard and steering wheel of the van.
Thankfully, they were able to rescue her. The operation concluded around 10:45 pm after the last victim was safely removed from the scene. Meanwhile, South West District Police Chief Supt Kamarul Rizal Jenal disclosed that there were a total of 11 victims involved in the accident, consisting of eight women and three men. Among them, ten were Singaporean tourists, while the van’s driver was a local man. Although the victims have yet to be officially identified, they are believed to be part of an elderly group who were holidaying in Penang.
The 62-year-old Singaporean citizen who passed away will be autopsied today, with ongoing investigations to ascertain the accident’s cause. This tragic event solemnly underscores the significance of road safety and the necessity for caution when traversing winding, hilly roads. Our deepest condolences are extended to the victims and their families during this exceptionally challenging period..
