Tak Bai bomb blast: ‘It’s a miracle we’re still alive,’ says injured Malaysian victim

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — Two Malaysians injured in a roadside bomb explosion in Tak Bai in southern Thailand have described their survival as a “miracle” after being transferred to Kelantan for further treatment.

According to Harian Metro, one of the victims, Abdullah Syarapi Abd Rahman, 45, said he and his companion were grateful to have survived the blast, which left them injured but alive despite the intensity of the explosion.

“It feels like a miracle we are still alive,” he was quoted as saying, adding that they were still shaken by the incident.

“Alhamdulillah, we are safe, but we are still shocked by what happened. We have just arrived in Sungai Golok and will continue to a hospital in Kota Bharu for further treatment,” he said.

The victims, Abdullah and Muhammad Yusri Udin, 38, were injured after the Proton X50 they were travelling in was caught in a roadside bomb explosion believed to have been planted under a culvert along Highway 42 in Kampung Phrai Wan near Tak Bai.

Abdullah sustained serious injuries, including wounds to his forehead and head, a fractured left thigh bone, and injuries to his left hand, while Yusri suffered minor injuries.

Earlier, sources from the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC 4) said both men were transferred to Malaysia via Sungai Golok at about 8.30am after receiving initial treatment in Narathiwat.

Ambulance arrangements were coordinated between Thai and Malaysian authorities, with the victims later taken to Kota Bharu for further medical care.