4 Things You Should Know About The Fatal FRU Crash In Teluk Intan
The lorry driver has a prior criminal record.
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Nine members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) tragically lost their lives in a fatal accident near Teluk Intan, Perak earlier today, 13 May, when their convoy collided head-on with a sand-laden lorry
Here's what we know so far:
1. The lorry driver has a criminal record and is now under arrest
Police confirmed that the lorry driver involved in the crash — a man in his 40s — has been arrested and is currently in custody. Initial urine tests came back negative, but authorities have since revealed that he has six prior criminal records, mostly related to drug offences, reported the New Straits Times.
He is also believed to have several outstanding traffic summonses, including a rape conviction.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless driving.
2. The crash may have been caused by a steering failure
According to Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin, the accident is believed to have been caused by a steering malfunction in the sand-laden lorry.
The FRU team — from Unit 5, based in Sungai Senam, Ipoh — had just wrapped up their public order duties for the Chitra Pournami Festival in Teluk Intan and were on their way home when the crash occurred.
3. The crash involved one of seven vehicles in the FRU convoy
At the time of the incident, the FRU team was travelling in a convoy of seven vehicles — one lorry, four cargo trucks, and two Land Rovers.
The vehicle that was struck was the fifth in the convoy, one of the cargo trucks that was transporting equipment, which police say made the impact particularly devastating and led to multiple fatalities.
All nine victims were personnel from the same FRU unit. Police have confirmed their identities, and both Muslim and non-Muslim funeral rites are being arranged accordingly.
4. A high-level task force has been set up to investigate the crash
The Transport Ministry will be establishing a special task force to investigate the cause of the fatal crash. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this body will be made up of independent experts and will also propose improvements to current safety protocols.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has also ordered a full and transparent investigation into the tragedy. The Perak police contingent will be leading the probe, with oversight from Bukit Aman's Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department.
"This investigation must be conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law," said Razarudin.