Three Jitra students killed, one injured in NSE crash after motorcycle hits parked car and is struck by second bike

ALOR SETAR, June 6 — Three students from the Jitra National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) were killed in a tragic accident involving two motorcycles and a car at Kilometre 49.4 of the southbound North-South Expressway near here yesterday.

Kota Setar police chief ACP Siti Nor Salawati Saad said the incident, reported at 2.10pm, involved a Yamaha 135LC, a Yamaha Y16ZR, and a Naza Citra car.

The deceased were identified as Muhamad Habil Mohd Sobri from Gurun, Muhammad Fahmi Jamel from Jeniang, Sik, and Muhamad Arif Aifan Derani from Bukit Selambau, Sungai Petani. Another friend, Muhammad Adib Aiman Mohd Hasani from Subang Jaya, Selangor, was injured in the crash.

“Initial investigations suggest that the rider of the Yamaha 135LC lost control and crashed into the rear of a car that was stopped in the emergency lane. A second motorcycle, following behind, was unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the first motorbike.

“As a result, two riders and one pillion passenger died at the scene, while one person sustained injuries. The car’s driver and passengers were unharmed,” she said.

The bodies of the three 19-year-old victims were sent to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) for post-mortem examinations. The injured individual was also taken to the same hospital for treatment.

The driver of the car has been detained for further investigation, with the case being probed under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward and assist with the investigation. Information can be provided at the Kota Setar Traffic Police Station or by contacting Investigating Officer Insp Mohd Lukmanul Hakim Mohd Fauzi at 04-7321222 or 013-9964614.

Meanwhile, a classmate of the victims, Nik Muhammad Hanif Darwis Abdul Qayyum, 19, shared that the trio were heading back to their hometowns in preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration on Saturday.

“We got up around 7am and were ready for class at 8.30am. Today’s classes ended early at 12.30pm to allow students to return home sooner. They left around 1.30pm. I remember shaking hands with Muhamad Arif Aifan and telling him to ride safely — he just smiled and didn’t say anything,” he said when met at the HSB Forensic Department today.

He only learned about the tragic news later after receiving messages from friends via WhatsApp. — Bernama