World No. 1 Japanese athlete survives Malaysia accident

Kento Momota, the world's No. 1 badminton player, survived an accident in the early hours of Monday morning in Malaysia.

The van in which he was travelling as a passenger crashed into the back of a 30-ton truck carrying sand, Kyodo reported.

The driver of the van passed away. The athlete and three other passengers, including two Japanese, were injured and taken to a hospital.

Momota suffered a broken nose and wounds to her lips and face.

Passengers were on their way to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Hours before the accident, Momota won the Malaysian Masters. (International Press)