11 killed in West Java bus accident

Nana Rukmana and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Subang/Bandung

Eleven people were killed and at least 20 others were seriously injured after a speeding intercity bus, traveling from Jakarta to Semarang and full of holiday travelers, hit a truck in the district of Ciasem, Subang regency at about 6 p.m. on Monday.

Eyewitnesses said that the impact of the collision threw the bus into a nearby farm area.

A local policeman, Chief Pvt. Asep, who witnessed the accident said that the bus also hit an electricity pole and a motorcycle. "The rider died instantly and the motorcycle was completely destroyed," Asep added.

Subang Police chief Adj. Sr. Com. Bambang Sugeng said that 24 other passengers were slightly injured.

Seven of the 11 victims, including the motorcyclist, died instantly at the accident site, while the others died on the way to Sang Hyang Sri Hospital. Those sustaining injuries were being treated at Mandalangi clinic in Pamanukan, a nearby town.

The bus driver, Tulus Prasetyo, who turned himself in to Subang Police shortly after the incident, said that he had failed to control his bus.

"I tried to overtake a car coming from the same direction when a truck loaded with electricity equipment suddenly appeared from the opposite direction. I tried to avoid it but it was too late. The brakes didn't work properly," said Tulus.

Tulus said he had to escape the crowd and the police at the accident site for fear of being mobbed. "I hid before reporting to the police office."

Ciasem Police chief First Insp. Ma'soem Ramli confirmed Tulus' statements, saying that the brakes had failed. "But the driver is to be charged with ignorance by driving a public bus at such high speeds. He has, therefore, been detained and named a suspect."

"As a driver, he must be responsible for the safety of his passengers. He violated Article 359 of the Criminal Code and if found guilty he could be jailed for at least seven years for his negligence," said Ma'soem.

According to Ma'soem, most of the bus passengers were housemaids in Jakarta, who were on their way to their hometowns in the town of Wonogiri, Central Java, to spend Idul Fitri with their relatives.

Police said that the northern coastal roads (Pantura), which stretch from Jakarta to Central Java, were prone to accidents.

It is estimated that at least 20 million people from Jakarta and other towns in West Java have used or will use the Pantura route as Idul Fitri and Christmas near.