KUALA LUMPUR: Ten persons were killed in an accident involving three cars and a trailer at the Shah Alam-bound USJ Rest & Recreation (R&R) area along the Elite Expressway.

       The victims in the mishap, which occurred on Friday night, were two adults and eight children.

       Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said a team comprising 12 men from the Subang Jaya and Puchong fire and rescue stations sped to the scene after receiving a distress call at 11.42pm.

       “The accident involved 17 victims, 10 of whom were confirmed dead. The dead were a man and a woman, while the other eight victims were five boys and three girls,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       Norazam said those killed were Norul Naziah Buyong, 37, and her eight children, as well as a mechanic, identified as Mohamad Rahimi Rolex, 27.

       The children were identified as 10-month-old Muhammad Raid Fathi Abd Razak; Puteri Nur Ain Syalwana Abd Razak, three; Muhammad Hidayat Hakimie Abd Razak, seven; Muhamad Rolkaizat Rezky Abd Razak, nine; Muhamad Aizat Syazwan Abd Razak, 10; Puteri Hidayah Abd Razak, 12; Razatul Aliah Abd Razak, 16; and Muhamad Razarul Amin Abd Razak, 17.

       The bodies were sent to Hospital Shah Alam.

       Norazam said the injured were Norul Naziah’s husband, Abd Razak Majit, 50, and their cousins – Mimie Nafiesa Abdullah, 19, Ihyat Sufi Shokip and Ummi Nasuha Annuwar, both 20.

       He said the trailer driver, identified as Mohd Khairol Kamal Abdullah, 45, and his two sons, Haiqal Haziq, 19, and Hafiey Hamziey, 14, who were travelling with him, escaped unhurt.

       Mohd Khairol has been detained by the police for investigations.

       Mohamad Rahimi was a family friend who had come to help repair the broken down car.

       Met outside the Shah Alam Hospital mortuary, Norul’s sister, Nurul Atika, 33, said the family was on their way home from Melaka when their car broke down.

       “We were a close knit family and now she and my nephews and nieces are all gone,” she said.

       Norul’s husband, Abd Razak Majit, who was outside the car at the time of the incident, escaped with injuries to his hand and leg.

       Meanwhile, Mohamad Rahimi’s brother, Farhan, 24 said the Fire and Rescue Department called his father to inform them about the fatal accident.

       “I saw him last at around 10pm.

       “He said he was going to help a friend who was stranded along the highway. They were trying to repair the car when the trailer rammed into the rear,” he said.

       Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed.

       “My deepest condolences to the families and I pray they will remain strong in facing the loss of their loved ones. I also pray that the souls of the victims be blessed and placed among the pious and the righteous,” he said in a Facebook post.

       “Drive safely, remember your loved ones and family members who are waiting for you,” he added.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also expressed regret.

       “All authorities under MOT, including the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research are currently investigating the incident.

       “Reports from these investigations, including the JPJ’s Inspection and Safety Audit report, will be furnished as soon as possible to the Land Public Transport Agency for further action under the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715),” he said in a statement.