GEORGE TOWN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A Rapid Penang bus rammed into a two-storey shophouse in Penang's city of Georgetown, injuring three passengers.

It is learnt that the bus driver lost control when he was making a left turn.

Only a few passengers were on board the bus at the time of the incident that happened at about 9pm yesterday.

The three passengers were sent to Penang Hospital for treatment. Two of them, one male and one female, sustained injuries on their heads.

According to eyewitnesses at the scene, the bus was not travelling fast.

The main door of the shophouse, which houses a convenience store, was damaged in the incident.

The store was closed at the time.

The incident also caused a serious traffic jam in the area.

George Town police district chief Mior Faridalathrash Wahid confirmed the case, adding that the bus driver and the two passengers sustained minor injuries.

Rapid Penang operator Rapid Bus has started an internal investigation into the accident, Bernama reported.

Rapid Penang chief operating officer Mohd Shukri Abdul Rahman said the company will support the investigations fully.

"We are providing the necessary assistance to the injured passengers. All three were taken to the Penang Hospital for treatment with one being warded. The passenger is however, expected to be discharged later today," Bernama quoted a statement from Mr Shukri on Sunday.

He added that the bus driver Sahibul Fadhlan had a good working and driving track record, with over 12 years of experience, according to Bernama.