Varsity students plan lawsuit over fatal Gerik bus crash

Summary

• Survivors of the June 9 Upsi bus crash intend to sue the driver and bus company for compensation and justice.

• Lawyer Mahmud Jumaat says his team is representing several victims’ families and warns of bogus brokers exploiting them.

• The crash claimed 15 lives; the bus driver faces 15 charges of dangerous driving causing death.

Several Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) students who survived the fatal bus crash in Gerik on June 9 are planning to take legal action against the bus driver and the company.

One of the students, Abdul Wafiy Kamarudin, 23, expressed hope that the lawsuit will serve as a reminder to all drivers to be responsible on the road.

“We intend to seek compensation for injuries and the loss of personal belongings during the accident. The claims will be submitted once all documentation with relevant agencies is completed,” Harian Metro quoted him as saying.

Noting that the group is working on gathering other victims interested in joining the lawsuit, Wafiy said most of his friends are ready to proceed with the matter.

Mahmud Jumaat, a lawyer representing the students, said he and his team will assist the victims’ families in accordance with existing laws to ensure they receive justice.

He reportedly said his firm has been entrusted by the families of several victims to proceed with the lawsuit and seek damages.

He also criticised certain individuals acting as “brokers” who impersonate lawyers to secure financial gain from victims’ families while making empty promises.

“In return, they (brokers) stood to receive commissions from law firms they introduced to the victims.

“What’s important now is that these families receive proper legal support, and they deserve justice for this heartbreaking tragedy,” Mahmud added.

In the June 9 incident, 15 Upsi students were killed and 33 others injured when the bus they were travelling in overturned at KM53 of the East–West Highway, near Tasik Banding, Gerik, following a collision with another vehicle.

The bus driver has since claimed trial to 15 counts of dangerous driving causing death.

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