Shuttle bus driver's instinct likely saved 2 busloads of passengers during Genting, M’sia landslide

He stopped driving when he saw the hill giving way slightly.

Belmont Lay | November 09, 2019, 04:46 PM

A shuttle bus driver very likely prevented a potential tragedy during the landslide in Genting Highlands on Tuesday, Nov. 5 evening.

There were two buses ferrying passengers, who were hotel guests, from the Grand Ion Delemen Hotel to the First World Hotel at the hilltop resort.

The driver of the first bus, which was carrying 23 passengers, noticed rocks rolling downhill at 5.45pm.

The driver, sensing something amiss, instinctively pulled up and did not proceed further.

His instincts served him well.

Moments later, the landslide occurred, covering the road in front of him in rocks and earth.

It was raining heavily at the time.

The second bus had seven passengers.

Both bus drivers turned back to the hotel, 4km from the affected area.

The guests remained calm.

Road cleared

A video of the incident, believed to be taken by passengers in the second bus, has since been circulating on social media.

The landslide buried and blocked a portion of Jalan Genting-Amber Court.

The road that was covered with earth was cleared by Nov. 6, but only lighter vehicles could gain passage.

The landslide separately caused some 200 tourists to be trapped in a hotel-serviced apartment located near the affected area.

But they have been evacuated shortly after.

No casualties were reported.

The landslide has not affected the main route to Genting Highlands as it occurred at a route leading to a different part of the resort.

The incident occurred following a downpour since 4pm.

[New Straits Times]