A collision between a chartered bus carrying university students and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on Malaysia’s East-West Highway left 15 people dead and 31 others injured. The accident occurred at 1:10am on 9 Jun 2025 near Gerik, Perak, at KM53 of the highway.
The bus was transporting 42 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) back to their campus in Tanjung Malim. The students, aged between 21 and 23, included eight males and 34 females.
A university representative confirmed that most were returning from Hari Raya Haji celebrations over the weekend.
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The Perodua Alza MPV was carrying a family of four, including married parents, a six-year-old daughter, and a three-year-old son. All four were injured and taken to Baling Hospital for treatment.
Bus Crashes Into MPV on Dark Stretch of Road
The bus collided with the rear of the MPV, which was travelling in the same direction. The impact caused the bus to overturn while the red MPV landed in a roadside ditch.
Perak police chief Noor Hisam Nordin said the road conditions were good and there was no rain at the time. He described the area as winding and dark. The bus was driven by a 40-year-old man, with a 54-year-old co-driver on board.
Preliminary investigations suggest the bus lost control before hitting the rear of the MPV. There were no eyewitnesses to the crash and the injured bus driver has not yet provided a statement. Commissioner Noor Hisam said it was too early to determine the exact cause.
Rescue and Emergency Response
The Perak Fire and Rescue Department was alerted to the accident at 1:04am. Emergency responders arrived to find the bus overturned and the MPV severely damaged.
Some victims managed to exit the bus on their own, while others were ejected or trapped inside.
Rescue teams used hydraulic tools to cut open the rear of the bus and created an access point to extract six more victims, including two with serious injuries.
Thirteen people were pronounced dead at the scene. Two others died later in hospital, bringing the total death toll to 15. Injured victims were treated on-site before being transported to hospitals.
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A Civil Defence Force statement said the injuries included broken arms, broken legs, and minor wounds.
Thirteen bodies were sent to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh for autopsies due to better facilities. The remaining two bodies were kept at Gerik Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Investigation and Official Responses
Police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Authorities are looking into possible human negligence or mechanical failure. The bus will undergo a full technical evaluation.
A spokesperson for the bus company said the vehicle was in good condition and regularly maintained. Both drivers held valid licences and had over ten years of experience. The company has pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
UPSI vice-chancellor Md Amin Md Taff said the bus was chartered privately by the students and not arranged by the university.
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A special operations room has been set up for the victims’ families, and the university is providing welfare aid, temporary accommodation, and financial support.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he and his wife were deeply saddened by the tragedy.
He extended condolences to the victims’ families and directed the Ministry of Higher Education to coordinate assistance. He reminded Malaysians to drive carefully and avoid rushing, adding that lives are too precious to lose.
Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir also expressed condolences and said his ministry would offer full support to those affected by the crash.
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