Teen driver to be charged over horror crash that killed five early this year

KUCHING: A 15-year-old boy, who is allegedly responsible for the fatal crash that claimed five lives at Jalan Teo Kui Seng-Stutong Baru earlier this year, will be charged in the Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (May 14).

Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 have been completed and the investigation paper was submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers in Putrajaya.

“The Attorney General’s Chambers has decided that the teenager will face two charges — one under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, and another under Section 39(1) of the same Act for driving a vehicle under the age of 16,” he said.

Meanwhile, the teen’s father, a local man in his 30s, will also be charged under Section 33(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for failing to ensure proper supervision and care of the teenager.

The horrific crash, which occurred at around 1.10 pm on Jan 14, involved three cars and two motorcycles.

Four victims (three men and a local woman) aged between 16 and 45, were pronounced dead at the scene, while another 16-year-old boy died while receiving treatment at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) later the same day.

Investigations found that the accident was caused by a car travelling from Jalan Airport towards Jalan Setia Raja, which had swerved out of control, overturned and collided into two motorcycles and two cars in the opposite lane.