Anwar orders immigration dept to probe fatal Black Maria crash

Prime minister says appropriate action must be taken without compromise if there was any negligence or breach of the law.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered his condolences to the next of kin of the three victims: a 53-year-old man and his two daughters, aged 25 and 12.

PETALING JAYA:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered the immigration department to launch an immediate investigation into the crash involving a Black Maria that killed three family members in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

In a Facebook post, Anwar offered his condolences to the next of kin of the three victims: a 53-year-old man and his two daughters, aged 25 and 12.

“I have ordered the immigration department to hold an immediate and holistic investigation. If there was any negligence or breach of the law, appropriate action must be taken without compromise,” he said.

Police said the crash occurred around 1am at the Maju Junction traffic light on Jalan Sultan Ismail, as the immigration truck was heading to the Chow Kit area for an operation to detain undocumented migrants.

The truck, driven by a 43-year-old immigration officer, had its beacon and siren on as it entered the intersection while the traffic light in its direction was red.

A Proton Saga, which was going straight, failed to avoid the truck and crashed into it. This resulted in the truck losing control and crashing into the family, including the mother who is being treated in Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

The drivers of the Black Maria and Proton Saga were arrested to assist in the probe for causing death by reckless driving. - FMT