Hilir Perak police chief Bakri Zainal Abidin said the lorry driver, who is in his 40s, was detained this morning under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987, Bernama reported.

“The driver tested negative for drugs. Investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident and to gather more information,” he was quoted as saying at the Teluk Intan Hospital’s forensic department.

According to Bakri, two injured victims remain in critical condition and are being treated in the Red Zone of Teluk Intan Hospital.

He said the identities of the deceased will be released after the post-mortems are completed.

The crash occurred at around 8.40am when a gravel-laden lorry collided with an FRU truck transporting personnel who were returning from a security deployment in Ipoh.

While the cause is still under investigation, Bakri earlier said in a statement that preliminary findings suggest that the lorry may have suffered a steering failure.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying their service and sacrifice would not be forgotten.

“The police will ensure that their families’ welfare is taken care of,” he said in a statement.

Separately, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for a comprehensive investigation and offered immediate support for victims and their families.

“I pray for the swift recovery of those injured, and that all matters are eased for them,” he said in a message posted on X.