Bus Plunges into Ravine in Lahat, South Sumatra; Police Launch Immediate Evacuation
A passenger bus carrying occupants plunged into a ravine in Lahat district, South Sumatra. Police immediately launched an evacuation operation following a report from residents through the 110 emergency service line.
The incident occurred on the cross-village road in Tanjung Periuk, Gumay Talang subdistrict, on Monday 16 March 2026 at approximately 02:30 local time. A PO Anugerah passenger bus was reported to have plunged into the ravine on the cross-village route.
Initial information regarding the accident was received by officers through the 110 emergency service operated by the Indonesian National Police after a resident reported the incident to the operator. The report was immediately forwarded to personnel in the field.
After the report was received, officers from Lahat Police Station mobilised to the incident location to evacuate victims and the bus that had entered the ravine. The evacuation process was conducted in darkness in a hilly area with a descending and winding road layout.
Officers worked to ensure all passengers could be evacuated from the location safely. Police are currently compiling data on the number of victims and the identities of passengers aboard the bus.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the traffic unit. The Head of Public Relations for the South Sumatra Regional Police, Brigadier Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, said that the rapid report from the public was an important factor in handling the incident.
“The community report through the 110 emergency service was very helpful in enabling us to respond to this incident quickly. Once the report came in, officers immediately deployed to the location to conduct the evacuation,” said Nandang.
He also called on the public to utilise the 110 emergency service should they encounter incidents requiring a rapid response from police.
He further appealed to members of the public who have family members believed to be travelling on the bus to immediately contact Lahat Police Station or the 110 emergency service to obtain the latest information regarding the condition of victims.