KAPIT: A lorry attendant was killed after the 10-tonne lorry he was travelling in plunged about 40 metres into a steep ravine at Jalan Jambatan Besi, Sungai Majau, Mujong Baleh, today.
The victim, identified as Sylvester Doll, 28, was found unconscious in a river at the bottom of the ravine following the crash. He was later confirmed dead by authorities.
The 34-year-old driver meanwhile survived the ordeal with injuries and was rushed to Kapit Hospital by nearby longhouse residents before emergency responders arrived. The extent of his injuries was not known.
The Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) said they were alerted to the incident after police requested assistance to recover a victim who had fallen into the ravine at around 12:25 pm.
As the route was inaccessible to fire engines, the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team from Kapit station travelled with police in a pickup truck to reach the remote crash site, about 92 kilometres away.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the lorry, which was carrying vehicle spare parts, at the bottom of an estimated 40-metre-deep ravine with a near-vertical 90-degree slope.
After assessing the situation, rescuers located Sylvester lying unconscious in the river below, and secured him onto a stretcher before carrying him up the steep ravine.
The victim’s body was then handed over to the police for further action.
The operations ended at 3:04 pm.
