A married couple died after their car was hit from behind and caught fire in Temerloh, with the SUV driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.

KUANTAN: A married couple perished after their car was rammed from behind and burst into flames in a horrific early morning collision in Temerloh. The driver of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) involved is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Temerloh district police chief ACP Mohd Nasyim Bahron said the incident occurred near the Taman Tualang Indah petrol station. Police received an emergency call regarding the crash at about 12.55 am.

Initial investigations found a Proton Preve, carrying the 34 and 35-year-old victims from Kuala Lumpur towards Kuantan, was struck from behind by a Porsche Cayenne. The impact caused both vehicles to skid onto the left shoulder.

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The Proton Preve subsequently caught fire, tragically trapping and killing both occupants at the scene. The 28-year-old SUV driver sustained only minor hand injuries.

Mohd Nasyim said the SUV driver is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol before the collision. Both vehicles have been sent to the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) for detailed examination.

Blood and urine samples from the SUV driver have been taken for toxicology analysis. Post-mortem examinations on the victims will be conducted at the Temerloh Hospital Forensic Unit.

The SUV driver has been remanded for four days until February 17 to assist with the investigation. The case is being probed under Section 44(1)(b) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence and causing death.

 The Sun Malaysia