SIBU: A 43-year-old man died when the car he was driving crashed into a metal railing and plunged into the river in front of a hotel here this afternoon.
Andy Ting King Dieng drowned as he could not get out of the car.
At the scene today, Sibu Central Bomba station chief, Suna Kaha, said their team managed to locate the car at 2.55pm.
“We got his body out at 4.06pm and handed it over to the police.
“Family members who were present also confirmed identity of the deceased,” he said.
Suna said the search for the man’s car and body was hampered by wood debris in the water and strong current.
“From what we were told by the police, the river bed where the car plunged into the river contained lots of wood debris. The very swift current was also an obstacle for us to search for the victim,” he said.
Suna confirmed that his station received a distress call at 12.40am from the hotel and upon receiving the report Sibu Central Station immediately despatched six rescuers to the scene.
“A man who was about to check into the hotel saw the victim’s car crashing into a metal railing in front of the riverbank and subsequently plunged into the river. He then informed the hotel counter staff,” he said.
However, the search and rescue operation for the victim had to be called off as it was still dark but they continued later at 8.30am.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee who visited the scene expressed his condolences to the family.
“The victim was identified as Councillor Andy Ting, one of my comrades-in-arms at SUPP Pelawan.
“Hopefully, Andy’s family is resilient and strong in the face of this challenge,” he explained.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Sibu fire department and police for their commitment.
