Putrajaya cops say outriders involved in fatal lorry crash were rehearsing for Le Tour de Langkawi, followed SOP
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — Police have today divulged that a convoy of police outriders involved in a multiple-vehicle collision that took place in Putrajaya earlier today was rehearsing for the Le Tour de Langkawi scheduled for tomorrow.
Putrajaya police chief Asst Commissioner A Asmadi Abdul Aziz also said that the outriders and a roadblock at Persiaran Utara in Putrajaya were in compliance with existing standard operating procedures (SOP).
“I’m not sure why the lorry switched lanes and then crashed into the victims, or maybe he was occupied with his mobile phone,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia, but did not provide any explanation to back his allegation.
“We are of the view that the lorry driver could have stopped his vehicle because others in front had already stopped after being instructed by our officers.
The 10.15am incident involved six cars, two lorries, three motorcycles, and a police outrider motorcycle, with one of the lorries involved believed to have crashed into several cars which had earlier stopped to make way for the convoy. — Bernama pic
According to Asmadi, LTdL is expected to pass through several main roads around Putrajaya including the road where the earlier fatal collision had taken place.
Asmadi reportedly confirmed the police outrider involved in the accident escaped unscathed and the lorry driver has been remanded for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for causing death by dangerous or reckless driving.
The 10.15am incident involved six cars, two lorries, three motorcycles, and a police outrider motorcycle, with one of the lorries involved believed to have crashed into several cars which had earlier stopped to make way for the convoy.
Asmadi reportedly said early investigations showed that the lorry carrying sand and stone was driven at a high speed, with the driver claiming that he did not have time to brake.
He also said that the 25-year-old driver had no prior traffic offence. The two victims were still unidentified and believed to be aged 25 and 29, and are currently undergoing post-mortem in Putrajaya Hospital.
