8 die during Bali convoys

DENPASAR, Bali: At least eight people were killed and 39 injured in traffic accidents during the congress of Megawati Soekarnoputri's faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), which ended here on Saturday..

"There were at least 11 (fatal) traffic accidents during the congress," Bali Police chief Brig.Gen. Gunawan said on Tuesday, adding the rate was still "normal".

Gunawan said the accidents occurred during convoys of thousands of Megawati's supporters who swarmed the country's main tourist destination during the congress.

He added that more than 1,000 personnel were deployed to control the traffic during the congress.

Gunawan also said that at least eight motorcycles and about 150 wallets were stolen during the opening ceremony on Thursday. (byg)