Van driver arrested after 8-year-old girl killed in school accident

Van driver arrested after 8-year-old girl killed in school accident

BATU PAHAT: Police have detained the van driver involved in the crash that killed an 8-year-old pupil at her school yesterday.

Batu Pahat police chief Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said the 60-year-old man was arrested shortly after the 12.30pm incident.

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

“The incident happened when the van, driven by the man, was leaving the school compound after delivering goods.

“As it was exiting through the main gate, the van struck the victim, who was walking in front of the gate.

“As a result of the collision, the victim suffered severe head injuries and internal organ injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene by the medical team from Parit Sulong Health Clinic,” Shahrulanuar said in a statement.

He said the van driver did not suffer any injuries.

Nur Aini Umairah, 8, was laid to rest beside her grandmother’s grave at Kampung Parit Mustaffa Islamic Cemetery in Parit Sulong at 8.35pm.

The funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including family members, friends and villagers.

Her mother, Asmilah Tukiran, 37, was seen nearly fainting several times while waiting at the forensic department of Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital to claim the body of her eldest child, one of two siblings.