Tuaran boat crash: Six killed

KOTA KINABALU: Six people were killed when two small passenger boats collided along the Serusup river in Tuaran, about 50km from here.

The victims, including a five-year-old girl, died in the 11pm incident on Saturday.

Fire and Rescue Services Department spokesman Mohd Affendi Ramin said the dead were identified as Wong Vun Chong, 47, Salomah Maid, 36, Nurqaseh Salim, 5, Aziah  Maidin, Ainol Hasnam and Nurul Azda.

The ages of the last three were not available but all are believed to be locals.

Mohd Affendi said the six were among 30 pulled out of the river following the collision near Penimbawang. 

As of 9am Sunday, three of the 24 rescued were reported to be injured and had been admitted to the Tuaran hospital. The others were either discharged or being observed at the hospital.

It is believed that there were about 10 people in the boat heading back from a wedding in Penimbawang, while the other boat had 20 passengers mainly those returning from work to their homes when the mishap occurred.

Mohd Affendi said they were continuing their search and rescue operations, adding that the number of persons still missing could not be ascertained.