Sri Aman district police chief Bingkok John when contacted last night said the Ford Ranger driven by a woman identified as Ronany Ting, 33, was on the way to Kuching from Kapit via the Jalan Beladin-Meludam route.

“We believe the driver had lost control of the vehicle causing it to veer and slide in the river,” he said.

According to him, people who were at the jetty area managed to tie the vehicle with iron chains and ropes to stop the vehicle from sinking before removing all the victims.

The victims were confirmed dead at the Beladin government health clinic and the bodies would be taken to Sri Aman Hospital for post mortem.

The Sri Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division is carrying out investigations, he added.

Apart from the 4WD driver, also killed in the 3pm incident were Siti Aisha Abdullah, 36, three teenagers identified as Nor Shuhada Mohamad, 16; Khairunnisa Muhamad, 14; Alvin Phang, 12, and three more boys, Wallace Phang and Mohd Aiman Mohd Hamdan, both aged seven and Muhd Mustaqim Mohd Hamdan, five.

The tragedy also claimed the life of a four-month old infant, Mohd Ahmad Mohd Hamdan.

Meanwhile, Batang Lupar MP Rohani Abdul Karim expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and prayed that the funeral arrangements will run smoothly.

Rohani said one of her representatives had met with the victims’ family members at the Beladin health clinic to convey her condolences while they were waiting for the ambulance to bring the bodies to the Sri Aman Hospital.

“I also hope all Triso ferry users will be careful in their travels, especially those on long trips. Always prioritise yours and your family’s safety,” she said in a statement received by Bernama here.