PETALING JAYA: It is heartbreaking to hear the sad news of the deaths of five Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (Usas) students, who died in a crash on the North-South Expressway (NSE) early Thursday (May 12) morning, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       The Prime Minister extended his condolences to the families of the victims in a Facebook post on Thursday.

       ALSO READ: Five burnt to death in NSE crash

       "I hope that the families will be strong in going through this trial. I pray that the souls of the deceased be showered with blessings by Allah SWT and placed among the righteous," he said in his post.

       ALSO READ: Crash victims were among the best students, says Usas vice-chancellor

       The five Usas students were burnt to death when the car they were travelling in caught fire after being involved in a collision with two trailers at KM246 of the North-South Expressway (NSE) northbound near Kuala Kangsar.

       They are Muhammad Nasrun Aidol Munir Akbar, 22, who was driving the car, front passenger Ahmad Naim Najmi Ahmad Hafizan, 21, while three others, Muhammad Nabil Haikal Muhammad Fariz, 19, Ahmad Akmal Ahmad Mokhlis, 20, and Iqbal Hasnun Halimi, 23, were seated in the back.

       ALSO READ: NSE fatal crash: Student’s unfulfilled wish to follow mother’s footsteps

       Usas vice-chancellor Tan Sri Nordin Kardi said they were on their way back to campus from Ipoh after a short holiday in the city.