Sabah: Four people were killed after the car they were travelling in collided with a lorry in Kampung Gambaron, Telupid, about 230 kilometres from here, this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre received an emergency call at 7.28 am about the crash involving two vehicles travelling in opposite directions. Seven firefighters from the Beluran Fire and Rescue Station made their way to the scene, covering a distance of 93 kilometres, but faced challenges due to a lack of telephone coverage and Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN) connectivity.

The statement released by the department confirmed that four victims were in the car and were extricated by firefighters, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Civil Defence Force. Medical personnel from the Health Ministry (MOH) confirmed that the victims died at the scene. The identities and genders of the victims are yet to be established, and their bodies have been handed over to PDRM for further action. The lorry driver sustained minor injuries and received initial treatment from MOH medical personnel before being taken to the Telupid Health Clinic.

The rescue operation concluded at 9.58 am after personnel ensured the scene was safe and free from further hazards. Telupid is an inland district in Sabah, with Sandakan, the nearest major town, located about 130 kilometres away.

Beluran district police chief Supt Hasan Majid provided additional details, stating that the car was driven by a 63-year-old local man carrying three foreign nationals, all of whom were killed in the crash. The 44-year-old local lorry driver sustained injuries to his legs and hands, while the car's occupants were trapped in the front and rear seats. The incident occurred at about 6.30 am at KM7 of Jalan Telupid-Beluran.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the car, travelling from Beluran towards Telupid town, may have lost control while negotiating a bend, entering the opposite lane before colliding with a lorry heading to work from Kampung Gambaron towards Gerak Maju Reality. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 by the Beluran district police headquarters' Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division.

Authorities are urging members of the public or witnesses with information or dashcam recordings to assist the investigation by contacting investigating officer Insp Alpius @ Nickee Bin Yakim at 019-8707626 or visiting the nearest police station.