MERADONG: An elderly man was killed after the motorcycle he was riding pillion on collided with a pickup truck parked along the roadside of the Pan Borneo Highway on Sunday night (Aug 30).
Meradong district police chief DSP Tansli Mering said the accident occurred at KM489.4 of the highway at about 11.40pm.
The pillion rider, identified as 65-year-old Depa Saong from Rumah Kinchu, was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel from the Bintangor Health Clinic.
The 30-year-old motorcyclist sustained severe injuries to his arms and legs, while the pickup truck driver escaped unhurt.
“Initial investigations indicate that both victims were traveling from Sibu towards Bintangor.
“They were reportedly unaware of the pickup truck parked on the road shoulder before crashing into the rear of the vehicle.
“The impact threw both victim and rider off the motorcycle and onto the left lane of the highway,” Tansli said in a statement.
The crash is believed to have been caused by the negligence of the rider, who is suspected of operating the motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.
Tansli added that the rider was taken to Sarikei Hospital, where blood samples were drawn to test for alcohol and drug levels.
The body of the deceased has been sent to the hospital morgue for a post-mortem examination.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
