Two friends killed in hit-and-run

GEORGE TOWN: Two friends were killed after their motorcycle was hit from behind by an unidentified vehicle in a hit-and-run accident along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

The victims, a 22-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman from Padang Serai, Kedah, died at the scene in the 4am incident near the junction leading to Penang Bridge and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rozak Muhammad said police received information about the fatal accident about 4.30am.

"Preliminary investigation found that the victims were travelling from George Town towards Penang Bridge when an unidentified vehicle struck their motorcycle from behind at the junction leading to Penang Bridge and USM.

"The vehicle is believed to have fled the scene after the accident," he said.

Rozak said the victims' bodies were taken to Penang Hospital's Forensic Department for post-mortem examinations.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to assist in the investigation by contacting the investigating officer, Inspector Shahidatul Alyaa Nordin, at 019-6886106.