Sarikei acting police chief Aswandy Anis said their car had failed to stop for an inspection and was being chased by the police when it entered the opposite lane at the Simpang Bulat diversion of the highway.

When it reached the highway’s Sungai Nyelong bridge, it collided with an oncoming four-wheel drive vehicle, Bernama quoted him as saying.

A Sarawak fire and rescue department spokesman said two of the deceased were thrown out of the Perodua Alza while the other six were trapped in the vehicle in the 2.50pm incident. Medical officers confirmed they died at the scene.

The driver and passenger of the 4WD vehicle sustained minor injuries.

Aswandy said the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.