After midnight on Monday, a bus traveling from Jakarta to Yogyakarta crashed on a toll road in Semarang, Central Java. The incident left at least 16 people dead, officials confirmed. The crash occurred on the Krapyak toll way, a curved exit ramp.
Crash Details
The inter-province bus, carrying 34 passengers, lost control as it entered the curved exit ramp. It struck a concrete barrier before rolling onto its side. The forceful impact threw several passengers and left them trapped against the bus body,” Budiono said.
Bus Description
The bus was yellow, a common color for inter-provincial carriers. Television footage showed it overturned on its side, surrounded by National Search and Rescue Agency personnel. Police and passersby were present as ambulances transported victims and the dead away.
Rescue Arrival
Police and rescue teams arrived approximately 40 minutes after the accident. They recovered the bodies of six passengers who died at the scene. The remaining casualties were transported to nearby hospitals.
Casualty Details
Another ten people died on the way to a hospital or while being treated. Eighteen victims were being treated at two nearby hospitals. Five of those patients were in critical condition and thirteen were in serious condition.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses told authorities the bus was traveling at high speed before the driver lost control. Central Java Police Chief Ribut Hari Wibowo confirmed this account. He spoke at Dr. Karyadi General Hospital in Semarang where bodies were identified.
Driver Details
The driver was a substitute who sustained serious injuries. Despite his injuries, he was able to communicate while under medical care. He was questioned by police during the investigation.
Investigation Status
Police are still investigating the cause of the crash. Wibowo said, “We are still investigating the cause of the crash and questioning the injured substitute driver,” adding that police planned to test the driver for prohibited substances including drugs. The investigation is ongoing.
Rescue Operations
National Search and Rescue Agency personnel were on scene early. They coordinated with police and medical teams. The operation aimed to recover victims and secure the crash site.
Bus Route Significance
The bus was traveling from Jakarta, the capital, to Yogyakarta, an ancient royal city. This route is a major inter-provincial corridor. It is used by many commuters and tourists.
Toll Road Context
The Krapyak toll way is part of Central Java’s toll road network. It includes curved exit ramps that can be hazardous at high speeds. The accident highlighted the risks associated with these sections.
Vehicle Condition
The bus had 34 people on board, including passengers and the driver. The vehicle’s design contributed to the rollover when it struck the barrier. The concrete barrier was a fixed structure on the toll road.
Emergency Response
Ambulances transported the injured to two nearby hospitals. The hospitals treated the patients with varying degrees of severity. The medical staff worked to stabilize the critically ill patients.
Official Statements
Budiono, a search and rescue agency chief, provided the initial casualty figures. He said the forceful impact left passengers trapped. He also confirmed the number of bodies recovered at the scene.
Police Chief Remarks
Ribut Hari Wibowo stated that the investigation is ongoing. He emphasized the need to identify the cause of the crash. He also mentioned testing the driver for drugs.
Media Coverage
Television news reports captured the overturned bus on its side. The footage showed rescue personnel working around the vehicle. It also displayed ambulances carrying victims away.
Impact on Community
The crash has shocked the local community in Semarang. Families are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Authorities are working to provide support to affected families.
Conclusion
The incident underscores the importance of road safety on toll roads. It also highlights the need for thorough investigations into vehicle accidents. The authorities will continue to investigate and provide updates.
