Sleepy victim fatally struck by express train in Tumpat

TUMPAT - A man was believed to have been tragically dragged to death by an express train for more than 400 meters along a railway track in Kampung Palekbang here.

In the 12.40pm incident, the victim, who was believed to have fallen asleep on the tracks, was struck by the Eastern Express Train traveling from Johor Bahru to Tumpat.

An eyewitness, Osman Mohd Yussof, 57, was having a drink at a nearby restaurant when he heard a loud horn coming from the train, which eventually came to a halt about 200 meters away from the restaurant.

Curious about the sudden stop, Osman rushed towards the train and inquired about the reason from the operator.

"I was informed that the train had hit a man who was sleeping on the tracks," he said.

Upon approaching the scene, Osman saw the gruesome remains.

However, Osman admitted that he did not recognise the victim as he was not from the village.

"Perhaps he was a visitor, and I have never seen him before," he added.

According to Osman, the victim was dressed in a "kain pelikat" and a shirt.

Tumpat district police chief Assistant Commissioner Amran Dolah confirmed receiving a report on the incident and said that the victim's body was taken to Tumpat Hospital for a post-mortem examination.