GENTING HIGHLANDS - Seven people have died while seven others suffered injuries after a chartered van crashed into a concrete divider on its way down the winding roads on Genting Highlands on Wednesday.

Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said 12 female passengers and two male drivers were in the tourist van when the accident took place at around 1.15pm.

He said six of them died at the scene. Co-driver Chang Them Kong, 70, was among six victims who were taken to Hospital Kuala Lumpur but later died due to his injuries.

Two others were taken to Bentong Hospital for medical treatment but were later transferred to Temeloh Hospital.

“They were on their way down from Genting Highlands when the driver failed to negotiate a sharp corner and crashed into the divider,” the police chief said.

He also urged witnesses to come forward and assist in further investigations.

“We also want to remind motorists to always be cautious and courteous and ensure their vehicles are well maintained before taking to the roads,” he said.

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Wan Mohammad Zaidi Wan Isa told Bernama that the van passengers were a group of tourists from Kulim, Kedah.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he was very saddened by the incident as he conveyed his condolences to the next of kin of the victims.

“I have instructed the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to look into the company behind the service,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday.

He also asked the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research to look into the factors behind the crash. “We need to take note of the lessons from this to avoid a recurrence,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK