Driver Dies After Car Making U-Turn Is Hit and Dragged 15 Metres by Bus in Kota Kinabalu

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — A 46-year-old man died from serious injuries following a collision involving a Perodua Viva and a bus along Jalan Tuaran-Kota Kinabalu in the early hours of Sunday.

The victim, an Indonesian national, was driving the Perodua Viva when the crash occurred at about 1.25am. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at approximately 3.50am.

Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief ACP Shahrudin Mat Husain said preliminary investigations found that the accident was believed to have happened when the victim drove out from a slip road and attempted to make a U-turn.

According to police, the driver apparently did not notice a bus travelling straight from the city centre towards Inanam. The bus subsequently struck the left side of the Perodua Viva.

The impact was severe enough to drag the Perodua Viva for approximately 15 metres before both vehicles came to a stop.

The victim suffered critical injuries in the collision. Fire and Rescue Department personnel transported him to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, where medical personnel later confirmed his death.

The 34-year-old bus driver was not injured in the crash.

Both the bus and the Perodua Viva have since been seized by police for further examination as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

Police are also attempting to locate independent witnesses and the victim’s next of kin as part of the investigation.

Members of the public who witnessed the accident or have relevant information have been urged to contact investigating officer Inspector Royston Ubak at 016-3130153 or visit the nearest police station.

Authorities said witness statements could help investigators reconstruct the moments leading up to the collision and determine the movement of both vehicles before impact.

The fatal crash is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which concerns offences involving reckless or dangerous driving resulting in death.

Police investigations remain ongoing, including inspections of the vehicles involved and efforts to gather additional evidence from potential witnesses.

The incident once again highlights the potentially severe consequences of vehicle manoeuvres such as U-turns on busy roads, particularly during low-visibility nighttime conditions.