Bus plunges into river, three dead

TANGERANG: A bus owned by Sri Kertabumi plunged into Mokevart River in Batusari subdistrict, Tangerang, Banten, on Thursday, leaving three people dead and another 40 injured.

Tangerang Police chief Adj. Sr. Cmr. Harry Prastowo said the deceased were Ajum bin Marnan, 36; Misna, 18; and an unidentified man about 35 years of age. All of the injured were treated at Tangerang General Hospital.

He said the overcrowded bus, which was plying the Merak- Kalideres route, was speeding toward Kalideres at about 80 kilometers per hour. There were 66 passengers on board the bus, which should have been carrying no more than 54 people.

The bus plunged 10 meters into the river at about 1:45 p.m. after the driver swerved to avoid a motorcycle.

The police are trying to locate the bus driver and his assistant, who fled the scene.

Harry told Antara news agency his officers were scouring the nearby area for the two men.

According to the officer, both the driver and his assistant could be charged under Article 359 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. --JP