A tragic bus accident on Indonesia's main island of Java has claimed the lives of at least 16 people, with many more injured in the early hours of Monday morning.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The inter-province bus was carrying 34 people from the capital, Jakarta, to the popular cultural destination of Yogyakarta when the disaster struck. According to Budiono, a chief from the national search and rescue agency, the vehicle lost control while entering a curved exit ramp on the Krapyak tollway in Semarang city, central Java.
The bus hit a concrete barrier before rolling onto its side. The force of the impact was severe, throwing several passengers and trapping them against the body of the vehicle.
Rescue Operation and Casualties
Emergency services, including police and rescue teams, arrived at the scene approximately 40 minutes after the crash occurred. Their initial efforts recovered the bodies of six passengers who died at the site of the accident.
Tragically, the death toll rose as another ten people succumbed to their injuries either on the way to hospital or during treatment. In total, 16 people lost their lives.
Of the 18 survivors taken to two nearby hospitals, five were listed in a critical condition and 13 were reported to be seriously injured. The authorities have not yet released information regarding the nationalities of those killed and hurt.
Aftermath and Investigation
Indonesian television news broadcasts showed the stark aftermath of the crash. The yellow bus was seen lying on its side, surrounded by personnel from the National Search and Rescue Agency and police officers. Ambulances were visible transporting the victims away from the toll road scene.
Yogyakarta, the bus's destination, is an ancient royal city renowned as the cultural heart of Java. It is a major drawcard for international and domestic tourists, famous for its historic temples like Borobudur and Prambanan.
An investigation into the precise cause of the accident is ongoing, as authorities work to understand why the bus lost control on the toll road exit.
