A devastating bus accident on Java has left at least sixteen people dead and scores injured, according to Indonesian authorities. The crash occurred just after midnight on Monday, sending shockwaves across the region.
The ill-fated bus, carrying 34 passengers, veered off course on a sharp bend along the Krapyak toll road in Semarang, colliding violently with a concrete barrier before overturning. The vehicle was travelling from Jakarta to the historic city of Yogyakarta when the disaster struck.
Budi Ariono, the head of the National Search and Rescue Agency in the area, said that several passengers sustained life-threatening injuries in the crash. Rescue teams, police, and bystanders responded quickly, reaching the scene within 40 minutes and recovering six bodies. Ten more victims later died while being treated in hospitals.
Eighteen passengers were hospitalised with severe injuries, five of whom are in critical condition. Television coverage showed the wrecked yellow bus surrounded by rescue workers, police officers, and concerned locals, with ambulances removing the dead and injured.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the bus was travelling at a high speed when the driver lost control. Semarang Police Chief Rebut Hari Wibowo reported from Dr. Kariadi General Hospital that the driver, though seriously injured, was able to speak to authorities, who are now investigating the cause of the crash.
The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the safety of Indonesia’s passenger buses, particularly on toll roads that traverse hilly and winding terrain. Officials are examining whether driver error, vehicle malfunction, or road conditions contributed to the accident.
Families of the victims have begun receiving support, while authorities continue their investigation. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of high-speed travel in Indonesia and the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations for public transport vehicles.