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ALOR STAR: Two teenagers, who had just graduated from Keat Hwa Private Secondary School earlier this month, were killed in a fatal crash involving a Mercedes-Benz and a Hyundai Matrix on Jalan Lencong Barat last night.
The incident, which occurred at 8.53pm, also left three of their former schoolmates critically injured.
In a statement, the school's principal, Teresa Chang, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the 18-year-old boys, describing it as a profound tragedy.
She said, "The passing of our two students, who had just graduated this December, is an immense loss, not only to their families but to the school as well."
The victims, who had recently completed their Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), were set to begin a new chapter in life.
Chang confirmed that the parents of the injured students had been notified, and teachers were sent to the hospital to monitor their condition.
The school is providing counselling services for those affected and urged students and parents to offer support to the grieving families.
Chang also called for restraint in sharing videos of the accident and stressed the importance of road safety.
The identities of the victims were not disclosed, though it was reported that one was from Alor Star, while the other was from Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
The New Straits Times reached out to the families at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital's forensic unit, but they declined to comment and requested privacy.