Suicide attempt backfires

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): A jealous woman failed in her suicide attempt last week when a speeding truck just missed her, only to get into trouble with the police for endangering others.

Police said on the weekend that Siti Maryam, 18, laid on her back, arms spread, in a busy street with the intention of getting killed after she had a bitter argument with her boyfriend, Daud Muklis, 19.

A speeding truck managed to stop just inches away from her after a frantic crowd screamed and waved at it. A woman passerby sustained a scratch on her buttock when a startled motorcyclist lost control of his bike, skidded and hit her, eyewitnesses said.

The police said the quarrel flared after Maryam accused Muklis of turning his back on her and loving another woman, an accusation that Muklis flatly denied.

In a frenzy, Maryam ran into the street after Muklis said he doubted she would have the guts to kill herself, police said.

The police declined to say if the jealous woman would be taken to court. (yac/pan)