Hulu Terengganu: A black panther was killed after being struck by a four-wheel drive vehicle at Km 387 of the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) early today. Hulu Terengganu police chief Supt Sharudin Abdul Wahab confirmed the incident, which took place at around 1.15 am when the panther, a protected species, unexpectedly crossed the road.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Toyota Hilux involved in the accident was driven by a 19-year-old man traveling from Kelantan to Kemaman, Terengganu. The driver was unable to avoid the sudden appearance of the animal on the road, resulting in the panther’s death at the scene. Fortunately, the driver did not sustain any injuries.

Sharudin stated that the panther’s carcass was handed over to the Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department for further action. He urged road users to exercise caution while traveling along LPT2 and adhere to speed limits to prevent similar incidents.