Students Describe Driver’s Anger, Burning Smell Before Fatal Gerik Accident
PETALING JAYA, June 9 – Survivors of the horrific Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) bus crash in Gerik, Perak, claim the vehicle was speeding moments before the accident that claimed 15 student lives.
“The driver looked angry, and the bus was swaying dangerously before it flipped,” said Farhana Ab Aziz, 23, still recovering at Gerik Hospital.
Several students recalled waking to a burning smell and the terrifying motion of the bus careening down a winding hill. Nur Irdina Huri, 22, who was awake during the incident, said the vehicle “was swaying badly” before the crash.
Rohadatul Aisy Zaki, 20, was jolted awake by a friend warning her about the speed, moments before being flung to the aisle. She and Siti Nur Najihah Shihabuddin, 21, also reported a strong smoky odour before the impact.
Dashcam footage, now circulating online, allegedly shows the bus overtaking a car at high speed before losing control.
Authorities have formed a special task force involving police, MIROS, JPJ, APAD, and other agencies to investigate. The bus operator insists the vehicle was recently serviced and the driver was experienced with no prior incidents.
