MIRI: A village secretary was pulled to safety late on Monday night after his four-wheel drive veered off the road in Bukit Peninjau, Miri, crashing into trees and leaving him trapped in the driver’s seat.
The victim, identified as David Ussex Saba, 40, who is the secretary of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) for Sungai Sebindang Bok, Beluru, suffered a head injury but remained conscious and able to walk following the ordeal.
Emergency services were alerted at 10.36 pm after a call from a member of the public. Firefighters from the Lopeng Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched immediately, travelling 56 km to the remote crash site.
They arrived at 11.45 pm, where they found the vehicle badly damaged, its roof caved in after striking several trees.
According to Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department operation centre, the driver was pinned inside the crumpled cabin. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue equipment to prise open the mangled driver’s door.
“The victim was trapped by the damaged frame of the vehicle. Our team carried out the extrication carefully to avoid aggravating his injuries. Once freed, he was able to walk with assistance,” he said.
The rescue operation, which began at 11.46 pm, was brought under control within minutes. By 12.20 am, the victim had been handed over to health personnel from Simpang Bekenu Clinic for further treatment.
Police traffic officers and auxiliary police from a nearby oil palm estate were also present to assist at the scene.
