Fatal Tree Accident: Family Seeks RM1.7 Million in Damages
Background
On September 18 last year, a devastating accident occurred at the car park of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Penang, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese tourists, Liu Zhu, 69, and his daughter, Liu Xinxin, 36. The family is now seeking RM1.7 million in damages from five parties, alleging that they failed in their duty of care and safety, which could have prevented the fatal accident.
The Accident
Liu Zhu and his daughter were in a vehicle on the premises of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion when a tree fell from an adjacent property into the mansion’s driveway, crushing them. The family is seeking compensation from the Peranakan Mansion’s operator and owner, the owner of the property in which the tree was located, a local tour agency, and the driver engaged by the agency.
Lawyer’s Statement
During a press conference, their lawyer, Ng Kian Nam, said that the tragedy could have been avoided if parties had taken reasonable steps to ensure public safety, such as by maintaining the tree. Ng also stated that the family is considering legal action against the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and asked why a notice flagging the tree as a potential danger was only issued two days after the incident and whether the council had taken any enforcement action against the property owner.
Family’s Reaction
Yang Xueli, the wife and mother of the two deceased, described the loss of her husband and daughter as unbearable. She expressed her grief and frustration, saying that every night she lies in bed staring at the empty space beside her where her husband used to be, and that the silence is deafening. She also asked why Penang authorities had not taken measures to prevent the tragedy, such as by maintaining the tree, providing proper warnings about the weather, or ensuring proper transport.
Son’s Statement
Liu Yuhui, the son and brother of the two deceased, said that his father and sister went to Malaysia trusting the general safety of holidaying in the country. He also claimed that it was reckless for the tour agency to hire a driver without a public service vehicle licence and ignore a purported warning about an impending storm in Penang.
Conclusion
The family’s tragic loss highlights the importance of ensuring public safety and taking reasonable steps to prevent accidents. The parties involved must take responsibility for their actions and provide adequate compensation to the family. The Penang Island City Council must also investigate the incident and take necessary measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
FAQs
Q: What is the family seeking in damages?
A: The family is seeking RM1.7 million in damages from five parties.
Q: Who are the parties involved?
A: The parties involved are the Peranakan Mansion’s operator and owner, the owner of the property in which the tree was located, a local tour agency, and the driver engaged by the agency.
Q: Is the family considering legal action against the Penang Island City Council?
A: Yes, the family is considering legal action against the Penang Island City Council.
Q: What is the family’s reaction to the incident?
A: The family is devastated by the loss of their loved ones and is seeking justice and compensation.