KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A tragic accident involving a tour bus in Malaysia has resulted in the death of a Japanese tourist, alongside injuries to 12 others, according to a major Japanese travel agency. This unfortunate event occurred on Thursday in Perak state while the bus was traveling from Penang to the scenic Cameron Highlands, renowned for its tea plantations.

The deceased person, a woman in her 70s, was confirmed dead due to her injuries, stated Eijiro Yamakita, the President and CEO of JTB Corp., during a press briefing in Tokyo. The company reached out to the media to clarify details surrounding the incident. Malaysia’s fire and rescue services reported that the bus carried a total of 13 individuals: three men and eight women from Japan, all of whom were elderly, along with a local tour guide and the bus driver.

Authorities noted that all passengers were transported to a hospital on stretchers after receiving preliminary medical assistance at the scene. Yamakita expressed concern regarding some survivors who sustained serious injuries, although their current health status remains unclear. He also emphasized that an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the crash is ongoing.

Images released by the fire department revealed significant damage to the front of the bus, with a fractured windscreen showcasing the severity of the collision. In his address, Yamakita conveyed heartfelt apologies on behalf of the travel agency, recognizing the impact of the incident on those involved.

JTB Corp. announced its ongoing collaboration with local authorities and the Japanese embassy in Malaysia to ensure support for the affected tourists and their families. Additionally, representatives from both the Kuala Lumpur office and Tokyo have been dispatched to assist the passengers. Yamakita noted that the bus had been procured from a local operator that adhered to JTB’s safety regulations, ensuring that it met the necessary safety standards prior to this event.