20 PR supporters die in accident

20 PR supporters die in accident

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: At least 20 supporters of the Republican Party were killed and 10 seriously injured when their bus plunged down a 77-meter deep ravine in Waingapu Friday.

The rest of the passengers were slightly injured.

The bus carried about 50 people headed for the party's last round of campaigning.

"Those seriously injured are under intensive treatment at Waingapu hospital," said East Sumba Police chief Lt. Col. Rahardjo.

He said the accident happened early Friday at 2:15 a.m. They left Kakaha at 11 p.m. Thursday for Waingapu, about five hours by bus.

The bus driver Samuel, 30, was among those killed, he said.

The cause of the accident is under investigation. At least 22 supporters of different parties died in road accidents during election campaigning from May 19 through June 4. (yac)