SEGAMAT: Three people died while another three were injured in an accident involving three vehicles at KM152 Jalan Johor Baru-Seremban near Labis here.

       Segamat OCPD Supt Bahrin Mohd Noh said the victims have been identified as S. Pannir Selvam, 56, S. Meenalatha, 35, and Kamarul Zaman Abdul Shukor, 42.

       He added that the incident occurred at about 10.30pm on Thursday (Dec 16), after Pannir Selvam, who was driving towards Segamat together with his niece Meenalatha and another relative, 64, suddenly lost control of his vehicle and went into the oncoming lane.

       "An oncoming lorry trailer driven by a 42-year-old man tried to avoid the vehicle but failed and rammed into the car. It also crashed into another car that was driven by Kamarul Zaman.

       "Pannir Selvam and Kamarul Zaman suffered serious injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene, while Meenalatha was pronounced dead while being treated at Segamat Hospital," he said in a statement on Friday (Dec 17).

       Pannir Selvam's relative, the lorry driver and Kamarul Zaman's 18-year-old son were sent to the hospital for treatment.

       The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.

       Meanwhile, Labis Fire and Rescue Department operation commander Muhammad Hafifie Md Sarif said 15 personnel were sent to the scene in two fire trucks and two Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) vehicles.

       "The victims who were trapped inside their vehicles were extricated using rescue equipment, and the bodies of the deceased were handed over to police for further action," he said.