KOTA KINABALU — A fatal accident involving a shipping container claimed the lives of a father and his daughter near Sepanggar port on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 6:20 p.m. when a crane carrying a shipping container tipped over, causing the container to fall onto their car and crush both occupants.

The victims were identified as a 53-year-old man and his 24-year-old daughter. They had just left the daughter’s workplace and were driving home at the time of the accident. Emergency responders arrived on the scene and managed to recover their bodies from the vehicle at approximately 9:55 p.m.

Authorities have detained a 49-year-old lorry driver for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun stated that investigators are examining whether the container was intentionally placed roadside or if other unavoidable factors contributed to the incident.

Police are gathering witness statements and assessing road safety conditions in the area. Datuk Jauteh noted that while the container had been positioned at the roadside, its large size and height could obstruct drivers’ views and create safety hazards. He also highlighted that using heavy machinery to move containers can lead to traffic congestion, compounding risks for road users.

The police commissioner added that discussions will be held with relevant authorities, including port management, to address issues related to containers being left along roadsides. The aim is to implement measures that enhance roadway safety and prevent similar accidents in the future.