Bus overturns after speeding out of control in Indonesia, killing at least 12 people
On Tuesday (6 May), a bus in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, lost control on a steep downhill road and overturned, killing at least 12 people, including children, according to Indonesian news media Tempo.
The inter-provincial bus, which was travelling from Medan in North Sumatra to Jakarta, the country’s capital, allegedly suffered brake failure while passing a hilly area near a bus terminal in Padang, said Reza Chairul Akbar Sidiq, the director of West Sumatra traffic police.
Bus loses control, flips on steep descent
Survivors told police the driver had lost control of the vehicle after its brakes malfunctioned.
“Due to brake failure, the bus missed the terminal and crashed into the wall next to the health centre,” said First Police Inspector Jamalludin, Chief of Traffic Police at the Padang Panjang Resort Police.
The area in question is known for its steep hills, which may have contributed to the deadly crash.
Source: Arab News
The bus, carrying 35 passengers, overturned and left many trapped beneath the wreckage. The bodies of the 12 victims, including two children, were reportedly found pinned under the vehicle.
Driver in critical condition, 23 others hospitalised
A total of 23 passengers were injured in the crash, with 13 suffering serious injuries. The bus driver was among those critically injured, according to Saudi Arabia’s news outlet Arab News.
Police are working with the West Sumatra Regional Police’s Accident Analysis Expert Team (TAA) to determine the exact cause of the accident.
“The total number of passengers has yet to be officially confirmed,” Inspector Jamalludin said.
The bus driver and his assistant have been detained for questioning and subjected to urine tests, police said.
Source: Tempo
The injured were transported to Padang Panjang Regional Hospital (RSUD) with the help of multiple agencies, including the Padang SAR, Fire Department, Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Public Order Agency, Transport Authority, Red Cross, and Mobile Brigade.
Authorities to provide support for families
To support families and survivors, the police have set up a Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) post at RSUD, and psychologists from both the hospital and the Regional Police have formed a trauma healing team.
Authorities have also begun coordinating with Jasa Raharja to handle insurance procedures for victims and their families.
A joint accident response centre has been established at RSUD Padang Panjang to manage treatment and assist affected families.
The police are now calling on all bus operators to conduct regular maintenance checks, particularly on brake systems, to prevent further tragedies.
Also read: Bus carrying 23 S’poreans crashes near Cameron Highlands, 3 injured including bus driver
Bus carrying 23 S’poreans crashes near Cameron Highlands, 3 injured including bus driver
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Featured image adapted from Arab News and Tempo.
