Retired Soldier Killed in Van Crash During Holiday Trip

By Subaashinee Kupusamy,

14 SEPTEMBER: A tragic accident claimed the life of a retired soldier, Mohd Arshad Hanapiah, 73, from Alor Star, when the tourist van he was traveling in crashed into a tree along the Kangar-Alor Star trunk road near Kampung Permatang Pauh early this morning (Sept 14).

The accident occurred at around 4:30 am while the van was en route from Alor Star to Krabi, Thailand. At the time of the crash, it was raining, which may have contributed to the vehicle skidding off the road. The van, driven by a 29-year-old man, was carrying seven passengers, including the victim, who was seated at the back.

According to Kangar police chief Assistant Commissioner Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop, the van was heading towards the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex at Padang Besar before continuing to Thailand. However, as the driver approached the accident site, the van lost control and struck a roadside tree. Mohd Arshad died on the spot due to severe head and body injuries.

The driver and six other passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated. The body of the deceased was sent to Tuanku Fauziah Hospital for a post-mortem. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport as stated in NST.