PAPAR - Four men cheated death after their van collided with a train along Jalan Perumahan Kampung Anak Kinarut here on Wednesday evening.
In the 6.05pm incident, the 42-year-old van driver sustained a minor injury while the other three passengers were unharmed.
Papar district police chief Deputy Superintendent Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka said a preliminary investigation found that the train was traveling from Sembulan to Beaufort.
The train operator observed a Perodua Rusa vehicle entering the railway track and coming to a halt.
"Despite sounding the horn and attempting to brake, the train was unable to stop in time and collided with the car.
"The train operator noticed the car only when it was approximately 20 meters away, making the collision unavoidable," Kamaruddin said in a statement.
Further investigation discovered that the railroad crossing bar was not functioning properly.
"However, there was a security guard stationed on the right side of the railway crossing hut, responsible for halting vehicles from a single lane.
"The driver of the Perodua Rusa vehicle claimed to be unaware of the passing train and did not stop due to the bar not being lowered or the crossing being closed.
"The vehicle's engine suddenly failed while driving, leaving them unable to move before the train impact," he added.
Kamaruddin said police had subsequently detained the security guard for further investigation under Section 337 of the Penal Code for causing hurt by an act which endangers life or the personal safety of others.
Witnesses are urged to contact Inspector Wong Yew Zhung from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Papar District Police Headquarters at 010-5635169.