KOTA KINABALU: A 43-year-old boatman died after two boats collided along the Dabal river in Sabah's east coast Sandakan district.

       Sandakan deputy OCPD Supt Abdul Fuad Abdul Malek said that the boatman died from head injuries at the scene from the accident that occurred at around 9am Tuesday (Sept 21).

       However, he said the 42-year-old boatman from the second boat and two women passengers, aged 27 and 30, escaped unhurt in the accident.

       Supt Fuad said initial investigations showed that the victim was heading upriver alone while the other boat with passengers was heading downriver towards Sandakan when the accident occurred.

       He said investigations into the incident were being carried out under Section 304A of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence.