Four die in bus accident

BANDUNG: At least four passengers were killed and 17 others injured when a minibus overturned on Monday morning on the Bandung-Purwakarta highway, West Java.

Three of the victims, all residents of Bandung regency, died instantly, while another died hours later at Hasan Sadikin Hospital from severe head injuries.

The 17 injured passengers, including 10 with serious wounds, have been admitted to intensive care at the same Bandung-based hospital.

The accident took place at a sharp bend in the road, where the Kobutri minibus plying the Cipendeuy-Bandung route tried to avoid a collision with an on-coming container truck by turning abruptly to the left.

Eye witnesses said the bus driver managed to avoid the collision, but the driver lost control of the vehicle, which flipped over.

The Bandung police said the 35-year-old bus driver, Sarma, was believed to have been speeding when approaching the curve.

Sarma has been detained for questioning over the incident. -- Antara