Lorry Crashes into Eight Vehicles in Sibolangit, North Sumatra; Four Dead, Eight Injured
A multi-vehicle collision involving nine units occurred on Jalan Jamin Ginting, Kilometre 44-45, in Suka Makmur Village, Sibolangit District, Deliserdang Regency, North Sumatra, on Friday (17/7). The incident left four people dead and eight others injured.
The Head of Public Relations for the North Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Ferry Walintukan, stated the incident took place around 10.30 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. A total of nine vehicles were involved in the accident, including one lorry, two Colt Diesel trucks, five minibuses, and one motorcycle.
"As of now, based on the data we have obtained, four people have been reported dead. Then eight others suffered injuries. All victims have been evacuated to the nearest hospital and community health centre," he explained.
He detailed that the incident began when a lorry carrying gallons of mineral water was travelling from the direction of Karo towards Medan City. While passing through the location, which is known for its downhill stretch and dense traffic, the lorry is suspected to have suffered brake failure.
"The lorry then lost control and struck eight vehicles in front of it. The chain collision was unavoidable, causing a number of vehicles to suffer severe damage and resulting in casualties," he elaborated.
He added that the four deceased victims were Heppi Sitinjak (60), Dinaria Manik (60), Samsir Sitinjak (30), and Anton Simorangkir. The injured victims included Siti Mawan (61) and Pebrianto Siburian (31), who were taken to the community health centre.
Six other injured individuals were referred to the H. Adam Malik General Hospital in Medan, including Rafika Lince (41), Harta Ulina (50), Seventri Amandasari Manihuruk (27), Five Sitinjak (11), Gabe Roida Sitinjak (18), and Rinto Sitinjak (23).
"Police officers who arrived at the scene immediately evacuated the victims, managed the traffic flow, and secured the vehicles involved in the accident. The process of data collection and investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident is still ongoing," he stated.