KOTA KINABALU: A bus carrying 19 passengers plunges into a 50m ravine at Mile Nine, Silam Road in Lahad Datu on Thursday night (June 20).
The driver and five of his passengers were hurt.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Services Department operations centre assistant chief Riki Mohan Singh Ramday said a team of 20 men were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 9.24pm.
The team, led by operation commander Sumsoa Rashid, arrived at the scene, some 23km from the station, at 9.40pm.
Others, including 11 health officials, nine policemen, and five from the Malaysia Civil Defence Department, were also involved in the operations.
“When the team arrived at the scene, 13 other passengers, including two foreign tourists, climbed out of the bus.
“Initial investigation revealed that the driver lost control of the vehicle before it skidded and fell down the ravine,” he said.
The 32-seater bus, which was believed to be travelling from Semporna towards Kota Kinabalu via Lahad Datu, landed on its side.
The six who were injured stayed in the bus and were rescued by firemen.
“The injured received initial treatment at the scene and were further treated at the district hospital,” said Riki Mohan.
The operation ended at 11.30pm.