BELAGA: A driver was killed while five others were injured after their pick-up truck skidded off the road and plunged into a 15-metre deep ravine along Jalan Jiwa Murni yesterday (Apr 20).
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firefighters from Belaga station were dispatched to the scene, about 42km away, following a distress call at 4.15 pm.
Upon arrival, they confirmed that a Toyota Prado had crashed into the ravine and was carrying six individuals — three men and three women.
The driver, identified as Wielie Blata, 48, was found crushed beneath the overturned vehicle and firefighters used machinery to lift the vehicle and extricated him.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics and his body was handed over to police for transport to Bintulu Hospital.
Meanwhile, four of the victims were rescued from the vehicle by members of the public and brought to the Belaga health clinic for further treatment. The extent of their injuries was not known.
The team also assisted the fifth victim, who sustained head injuries, out of the ravine using a scoop stretcher before handing her over to paramedics for further treatment.
The team ended the operation at 7.30 pm.
