TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke announced the formation of a special task force to investigate the electrocution of an 18-year-old, Mohamad Nur Asymawi Jasmadi, who died while charging his cellphone on an interstate express bus.
The task force will include personnel from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), the Road Transport Department (RTD), and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).
Loke emphasised the seriousness of the incident and ordered APAD to impound the bus for further investigation.
He also expressed condolences to the victim’s family. The teenager was discovered unresponsive in his seat on the bus at Penang Central on November 2.
The Transport Ministry, through the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), has also suspended the operations of the express bus company following the tragic death of the 18-year-old.
The bus, scheduled to depart for Kuala Lumpur, saw a quick deterioration in the young man’s condition shortly after he boarded.
A passenger heard him scream and found him foaming at the mouth. Investigations revealed burn marks on his fingers, indicating electrocution from an overheated phone and melted charging cable.
Despite the ambulance’s prompt arrival, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
This incident puts emphasis on the importance of passenger safety and preventing future occurrences.
The event also serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with electronic devices. – Nov 3, 2024
Main image: kosmo
