KOTA KINABALU: Police are investigating why a container was left on the shoulder of Jalan Sepanggar near Sepanggar Port before it fell and crushed a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), killing a man and his daughter yesterday.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said investigations would determine whether the container was placed there intentionally or due to unavoidable circumstances.
He said police were recording statements from witnesses to establish the exact cause of the incident while assessing road safety in the area.
"Although the container was placed by the roadside, its size and height could obstruct the view of road users and pose a serious safety risk.
"Moving the container using heavy machinery could also cause severe traffic congestion," he told a press conference after the Sabah contingent Sports Excellence Appreciation Ceremony at the Kota Kinabalu police headquarters today.
Jauteh said police would discuss the matter with relevant agencies, including port management, to address the issue of containers being left along the road.
He said the move was important to ensure road user safety and prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, he confirmed that the 49-year-old trailer lorry driver had been remanded to facilitate investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
In the 6.20pm incident yesterday, Mohd Jadi Pelbi, 53, and his daughter, Norfaieza Mohd Jadi, 24, died after their Toyota Avanza was crushed by the container near Sepanggar Port.
Both were trapped inside the wreckage before firefighters extricated them at 9.55pm after a rescue operation lasting more than three hours.
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