JOHOR BARU: Sixteen students from three schools sustained injuries after their school van overturned, believed to have struck an uncovered underground cable hole early Friday morning (July 18).

Johor state Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin reported that the victims included 10 pupils from SJKT Jalan Yahya Awal, comprising five boys and five girls, and three students each from SMK Mohd Khalid and SMK Aminuddin Baki.

“Ten pupils from SJKT Jalan Yahya Awal, aged between 10 and 12, are currently receiving treatment at Hospital Sultanah Aminah. The six secondary school students involved were unharmed and sustained only minor injuries,” he stated after visiting the victims at the hospital.

Among the 10 SJKT pupils, one suffered a broken arm, two had broken fingers, and seven sustained minor injuries. Aznan described the incident as heartbreaking, particularly as it involved young schoolchildren.

He assured that all affected students would receive the best medical care and monitoring.

“Authorities are also conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and ensure appropriate action is taken to safeguard students’ safety in the future,” he added.

Aznan wished the injured students a speedy recovery and extended his support to their families.

Meanwhile, a visit to the hospital’s emergency unit found Pulai MP Suhaizan Kaiat meeting with the victims’ families to receive updates on their condition around noon.

Several SJKT Jalan Yahya Awal teachers and parents were also seen gathered at the hospital compound.