KUCHING: A 16-year-old driver is under investigation for a fatal crash near the international airport this afternoon tha left five people dead.
Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fifth later died at Sarawak General Hospital.
Kuching police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said in a statement tonight that the teenager, who suffered neck injuries, will be taken into custody after receiving medical treatment.
He will be investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
The teen, who is believed to have been driving without a valid licence, could face a prison sentence of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000, and a driving ban for at least three years, if convicted.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the crash occurred around 12.50pm when the teen's car, travelling from Jalan Lapangan Terbang toward Jalan Setia Raja, lost control.
The car veered across the divider into the opposite lane, colliding with two motorcycles and two cars.
Dashcam footage posted on social media showed the Proton Saga spinning out of control and rolling after overtaking another vehicle.
The victims at the scene, aged 16 to 45, were all local residents.
The 16-year-old male who later died in the hospital was also from the area.
Three others remain in treatment for injuries.
Farhan urges anyone with information about the incident to contact Investigation Officer ASP Lucas Apin or their nearest police station.