An inquest into the death of former Batu Sapi MP Datuk Edmund Chong Ket Wah, who was killed in a road accident last year, was told that the cause of Chong's death was due to head injury.

Dr Jessie Hiu, a forensic pathologist with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), here, said there were extensive skull fractures with laceration and bleeding within the brain.

She said based on the injuries there was unlikely chance of survival.

To a question by Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Raja Zaizul Faridah Zaharuddin on the impact on Chong's head when the accident occurred, Dr Hiu said the external and internal injuries on the head and the left upper limb suggested that Chong sustained a hard impact on the left side of his face and body.

She also agreed with counsel holding a watching brief for Chong's family that even if Chong had been wearing whatever helmet in the world and sustained the severity of the head injury, it would have made no difference.

Dr Hiu said this was because the force exceeded the capability of the helmet to protect the head.

Asked by DPP Raja Zaizul on how the accident occurred, Dr Hiu said based on the severe injuries on the head and left side of the body, it was likely that Chong had landed hard on the left side of the head and left side of the body.

"The other injuries on the face and on the right side of the limb suggested that the deceased rolled over after landing on the left side," she said.

She told the coroner that she conducted a post mortem on Chong's body at 2.30pm on Oct. 9, 2010 at the request of Investigation Officer Mohd Hafiz Lokman.

Earlier, Dr Hiu said that there were 45 external injuries on Chong's body.

In summary, she said there was laceration on the left side of the head with facial injuries and injuries on the chest and abdomen, mainly on the left side.

According to her, the external injuries on the left side of Chong's body were consistent with those seen in a road traffic accident.

Dr Hiu also said that there were also injuries on both sides of the upper and lower limbs. "However, there was a severe laceration on the left arm and forearm with multiple fracture of the left forearm bones and dislocation of the left elbow joint.

"The brain overlying the fractures was lacerated with hemorrhages within the brain tissue and blood in the ventricles. Other internal injuries were two rib fractures with bruises on the lungs severe on the left side," she added.

Dr Hiu was testifying as the 27th deponent before Coroner Melissa Chia in the inquest into the death of Chong.

Chia is assisted by DPP Raja Zaizul and traffic prosecuting officer Chief Inspector Wilynton Enchana Watt while lawyers Chin Tek Ming and Batholomew Jingulam are holding a watching brief for Chong's family.

Counsel Nelson W. Angang and Loretto S. Padua Jr. are holding a watching brief for the Mercedes Benz's driver.

Chong, then Parti Bersatu Sabah treasurer general, was killed when the 750cc Kawasaki superbike he was riding was involved in a collision with a Mercedes Benz along the Coastal Highway in front of Grace Court, Sempelang on Oct 9 last year.

Replying to a question by Batholomew on whether the injuries on the left side of Chong's face and body could have been caused by the impact of the body hitting the vehicle on the left side, Dr Hiu said that it was possible but not likely as the injuries were associated with graze abrasions which occur when skin rubs on rough surface such as roads.

To a question by Chin on whether Chong died instantly on the spot at the moment of impact on hitting the ground, Dr Hiu replied: "Based on the severity of the head injury, he most likely died fast."

The inquest, which is expected to call seven more witnesses, was adjourned to Oct 10.

Daily Express Sabah