The program of the 1977 Malaysian Grand Prix, held on Saturday, 23 April 1977 at the Batu Tiga circuit in Shah Alam, including a 25-lap supporting race for touring cars - or "super-saloons", as they were locally called. The event was marked by a horrific accident that resulted in the deaths of six young spectators.
On the fourth lap of this event's final the Ford Escort BDA driven by the experienced Malaysian driver Harvey Yap, who was dicing for the lead with Nobuhide Tachi, having already won the first heat, suddenly went out of control on the approach to Lucas Loop bend. It was reported that Yap's car hit debris on track causing the right rear tyre to burst, before changing its trajectory, traveling at a speed of 130 mi/h (209 km/h). It crossed the 20-meter run-off area, crashed though a barrier and mowed down the spectators located behind it. Five children were killed almost instantly:
- Suzana binti Tasiron, a thirteen-year-old from Malaysia;
- Masnon binti Tasiron, her sister, twelve-year-old from Malaysia;
- Hizam Azlim Yusof, an eleven-year-old from Malaysia;
- Hairayu Azlim Yusof, his sister, seven-year-old from Malaysia;
- Heidi Amanda France, a five-year-old from New Zealand. This latter was incorrectly indicated as France Heidi Iminda by other reports.
This was the worst accident in the history of motorsports in Malaysia. Nineteen other spectators were injured. One of them, Azizul Adnan, 9, the son of a police constable, succumbed to wounds the following day at the University Hospital. His brothers Azizi, 12, and Azlan, 8, were among the injured people. The driver Harvey Yap sustained a twisted ankle, cuts and bruises.
The race was not stopped after the accident. It was won by Japanese driver Nobuhide Tachi, at the wheel of a Toyota Trueno.
Shortly after the end of this supporting race the main course, the Malaysian Grand Prix, began. Winner was Patrick Tambay in a March 752 - BMW entered by Teddy Yip. He was followed by New Zealander Steve Millen in a Chevron B35 - Ford in second and by Albert Poon from Hong Kong in a Chevron B39 - Ford in third. Malaysian rider Sonny Soh won the motorcycle Grand Prix on a Yamaha.
After this accident the Batu Tiga circuit remained closed for over one year until new guard-rails and safety fences were built all around the track.
R.I.P
