TAWAU: Drowsiness and falling asleep at the wheel are believed to have caused a tragic three-vehicle accident that left one person dead and another seriously injured along Jalan Bombalai–Merotai here on Thursday.
In the 7.40am incident, the driver of a Perodua Viva, a 38-year-old female security guard, died at the scene.
The driver of a Proton Saga sustained serious injuries, while the driver of a four-wheel-drive (4WD) Toyota Hilux escaped unhurt.
Tawau District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said investigations are ongoing, but based on dashcam footage from the 4WD involved, the accident is believed to have occurred after the Viva veered into the opposite lane.
“The Viva driver, who was travelling from Tawau town, is believed to have fallen asleep while navigating a bend, causing the vehicle to enter the opposite lane.
“The car then collided with a Proton Saga driven by a 35-year-old woman before spinning back into its original lane and hitting a 4WD driven by a 31-year-old woman,” he said.
Jasmin added that the impact left the Viva driver trapped in the front seat, and she was later extricated by personnel from the Tawau Fire and Rescue Department.
A medical officer from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) confirmed she had died at the scene.
“The Proton Saga driver suffered serious injuries to her neck and abdomen and has been sent to Tawau Hospital for further treatment,” he said.
Initial investigations found that the victim was on her way home after finishing her shift as a security guard at Tawau Hospital and was likely drowsy at the time of the incident.
Further checks also revealed that she did not possess a valid driving licence.
“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless or dangerous driving causing death,” he said.
Jasmin also advised the public not to drive when drowsy or fatigued, as it could endanger themselves and other road users.
