2 university students killed, 1 survives in fiery DUKE crash

KUALA LUMPUR: Two university students were burnt to death in a crash involving a car at the Jalan Kuching exit ramp on the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) here early this morning, while another passenger survived with minor injuries.

Kuala Lumpur traffic investigation and enforcement department chief Zamzuri Isa said a preliminary investigation found that the BMW 328i Sport was travelling from Jalan Duta towards Selayang, and was believed to have been speeding, when the driver lost control of it.

The car skidded and crashed into the left road divider, causing it to catch fire, he said.

The victims were two Malaysian students – a 22-year-old male  student at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, who was driving, and a 21-year-old male front passenger studying at Sunway University.

“Both victims were confirmed dead at the scene. They were believed to have been trapped inside the burning vehicle,” Zamzuri said in a statement.

The survivor – a 20-year-old Singaporean male student – sustained minor injuries and was taken to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment.

He said identification of the two charred victims will be carried out through DNA analysis.

Police are conducting further investigations, including reviewing closed-circuit television footage and recording statements from the survivor.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.