Gerik:A tragic accident in Gerik claimed the lives of four individuals, including a child, after a Perodua Axia allegedly lost control and collided with a lorry on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the incident occurred at KM 38.5 of the highway, involving three vehicles: a Hino lorry, a Proton Persona, and the Perodua Axia. The crash was reported to the police around 1:30 pm.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the Perodua Axia, driven by a 19-year-old male with four passengers was traveling from Gerik towards Jeli. Meanwhile, the Proton Persona, driven by a 20-year-old man with three passengers, was coming from the opposite direction towards Gerik. The lorry, driven by a 42-year-old man with a 34-year-old attendant, was heading in the same direction as the Axia.

The Perodua Axia reportedly lost control, veering into the opposite lane and clipping the rear of the Proton Persona before crashing into the lorry. The impact wedged the Axia under the lorry, dragging it for several meters.

The collision resulted in the deaths of the two men, a woman, and a child in the Axia. Another child suffered serious injuries and was taken to Gerik Hospital. The occupants of the Proton Persona and the lorry remained unharmed.

A detailed inspection of the crash site has been conducted, and all involved vehicles will undergo technical checks. Investigators are seeking independent witnesses and potential CCTV or dashcam footage to aid the investigation, which falls under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.