Ipoh police chief Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the accident occurred at about 7am when the 44-year-old driver of a car headed towards Ipoh lost control of his vehicle.

“The car hit the right rear of the Ipoh-bound bus and then spun before crashing into the front right side of the bus. This caused the bus to lose control, skid into the roadside drain and overturn.

“A total of 21 victims who suffered severe and minor injuries are currently being treated at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, while the other 20 victims, including both the car and bus drivers, escaped unhurt,” he said.

All 39 passengers are aged between nine and 80.