KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Several victims of the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) train crash in 2021 are suing Prasarana Malaysia and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd for damages.
Lawyer Ravinder Singh Dhalliwal from Messrs Vin Partnership confirmed the matter to Malay Mail adding that the claim was made on March 9, 2023.
The plaintiffs are claiming that both Prasarana and Rapid Rail did not ensure the trains were safe to use and that the accident happened due to negligence on their part.
In the May 24, 2021 incident, a train ferrying 213 passengers collided with a faulty train which was being test-driven (autonomously) in a tunnel between the Kampung Baru and KLCC stations.
The incident left 47 passengers serious injured, with six of them admitted to an intensive care unit. 166 others escaped with minor injuries.
Internal investigation initially found the crash to have been caused by human error.
Former Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who was Prasarana chairman at the time, faced heavy criticism for his lack of empathy, lack of professionalism and remarks made during a press conference following the crash.
He had described the accident as two trains “kissing” and was seen jovial during the press conference immediately following the incident.
He was subsequently sacked from his post on May 26, 2023 following an online petition calling for his termination as Prasarana chairman.
The plaintiffs called out this incident and Tajuddin’s handling of the situation on the statement of claim and are seeking general, exemplary, special and aggravated damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
