GERIK — A tragic crash at KM53 of the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding claimed 15 lives, all students from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), and left 33 others injured.

Survivor Abdul Wafiy Kamarudin, 23, recounted being thrown from the bus during the 1am crash and waking up with a body on top of him. He pushed it off to escape and suffered only minor injuries.

The bus had been speeding downhill after a brief stop to check the brakes before overturning.

Another victim, Rohadatul Aisy, 21, called her father from the scene saying she couldn’t move due to pain in her neck and waist. She was later diagnosed with a fractured hip and is now receiving treatment in Besut Hospital.

The accident also involved a Perodua Alza and injured the bus driver, conductor, and four others in the MPV.