Thu, 06 Jan 2000

Bus accident kills 12

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A chartered bus carrying holiday revelers skidded into a ravine in Wonosobo at noon on Wednesday, killing 12 passengers and injuring 24 others.

Wonosobo Police chief Lt. Col. Zainal Syarif said the Hiba Utama bus, arriving from Jakarta, was speeding when it took a bend in Gondang village in Watumalang district.

"It rained and the road is steep, but the driver did not slow down the bus," Zainal said.

Zainal said it was difficult to recognize the bodies, many of which were dismembered. The wounded passengers are now being treated at the local state hospital. (45)