Trailer Driver Tests Positive for Drugs After NSE Crash That Left Three Seriously Injured
BUKIT MERTAJAM – Police have detained a trailer lorry driver to assist investigations into a four-vehicle crash at Kilometre 137.4 of the northbound North-South Expressway yesterday.
Seberang Perai Tengah district police chief Helmi Aris said the 28-year-old Malaysian driver was arrested after a urine screening test detected methamphetamine in his system.
Police later obtained a remand order from the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court to allow investigators to continue their inquiries.
“The court granted a four-day remand order until March 18 to facilitate the investigation,” he said in a statement today.
The case is being investigated under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence of drugs and causing a traffic accident.
Trailer Collides With Three Vehicles
Helmi said police received information about the incident at approximately 3.15pm yesterday.
Preliminary investigations found that the trailer and three cars were travelling from Juru towards Seberang Jaya when the heavy vehicle is believed to have lost control.
The trailer subsequently crashed into the rear of a Honda BR-V travelling in the right lane, dragging the vehicle before hitting two other cars ahead.
The force of the collision caused a Proton X50 to overturn and land in a roadside drain along the expressway.
Three Victims Seriously Hurt
Three occupants of the Honda BR-V suffered serious injuries involving the head, chest and legs.
Five other individuals sustained minor injuries in the incident.
All victims were taken to Seberang Jaya Hospital for treatment.
Police Seek Witnesses
Police have urged members of the public who may have information about the accident to assist with the investigation.
Witnesses can contact traffic investigating officer Insp. S. Saravanan at 016-4525105 or report to the nearest police station.
The crash caused a traffic jam stretching about nine kilometres along the northbound highway between Juru and Permatang Pauh.
-wilayah.com.my
