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Published: Monday October 11, 2010 MYT 11:41:00 AM
Updated: Monday October 11, 2010 MYT 12:31:59 PM

Horror crash : Death toll now 15, some victims identified (Update)

By MARTIN CARVALHO

MALACCA: The death toll in the horrific Simpang Ampat crash increased to 15, as three more succumbed to their injuries Monday morning. Meanwhile, 11 of the 12 earlier fatalities in the accident along the North South Highway Sunday night were identified Malaysians. The remaining victims were Myanmar nationals. The dead were identified by police with the help of distraught relatives, who began streaming to the Malacca Hospital’s mortuary around 10pm Sunday.

The dead included Nur Shapika Baba, 19, from Pokok Mangga; Muhammad Farizuddin, 19, from Balai Panjang; Sharene Sofea Fadzry Tan, 18, from Taman Semabok Perdana; Norazmi Abdul Karim, 24, from Pondol Kempas; Azizi Ajis, 19, from Kampung Gapis; Ng Sok Kuan, 52, from Sungai Udang; R. Ramachandra , 52, from Klebang Besar, all in Malacca.

The other victims were Pang Sui Moei, 57, from Segamat; Goo Chuan Heng, 34, from Batu Pahat (boht Johor); and Myanmars Kam Khaw Tual, 18, Pau Khaw Tual, 29, and Cin Thawa Tuang, whose age is still unknown. Hospital authorities have assigned a special room for distraught family members to mourn their loss with volunteers from local Buddhist and Muslim organisations at hand to comfort bereaving families.

The 15 were killed when a north-bound express bus crashed through the guardrail and ploughed into five vehicles heading in the opposite direction at KM223.2 of the North South Expressway near Simpang Ampat here on Sunday. Forty-five others were also injured in the 7.45pm accident, which occurred near the Negri Sembilan-Malacca border.

Witnesses said the express bus crashed into the rear of a car before the driver lost control of his vehicle and rammed through the guardrail and onto the path of an oncoming bus, two cars and a motorcycle. The impact caused the express bus to flip onto its side. The bus driver and motorcyclist were among the casualties. The oncoming bus belonged to the Welfare Department.