Underage driver loses control, slams car into bus stand

Bandar Seri Begawan - Three teenagers were killed when a car driven by an underage driver crashed into a bus stand along Jalan Jerudong shortly before dawn yesterday, leaving two other passengers critically injured.

According to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), it is believed that the 17-year-old male driver had lost control of the vehicle while heading towards Sengkurong at about 4.15am. He was travelling with four other passengers, who were all under the age of 18.

The RBPF subsequently found out that the driver was driving without a valid licence.

In the wake of this tragic incident, a spokesperson from the RBPF reiterated that under Brunei Darussalam's laws, it is illegal for anyone without a proper driving permit to be behind the wheel of any vehicle. Furthermore, unlicensed drivers, including those under the age of 18, are not insured against accidents resulting in damages, injuries as well as death.

Road-users are reminded to be especially cautious during their commute, to be considerate to others, to keep within the speed limit, to refrain from using mobile phones whilst driving, to always buckle up, to ensure that the driver is fully alert and to always adhere to road regulations.

A senior government officer from the Ministry of Communications will be heading towards the site of the tragic crash to issue a statement.

News of the accident circulated quickly via WhatsApp and Facebook yesterday, including graphic images of the victims at the scene of the crash, sparking outrage among the community.

Observers pointed out that parents have the prime responsibility to keep track of their children and who they are friends with.