North Sumatra Governor Ensures Handling of ALS Bus Accident Victims in South Sumatra

Medan (ANTARA) - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has ensured that the handling of victims from the ALS bus accident in South Sumatra, from identification to repatriation, is being managed. “We extend our deepest condolences. At this time, what the families need is patience. The North Sumatra Provincial Government is present to ensure all victims are handled,” Bobby said after visiting the office of PT Antar Lintas Sumatera (ALS) on Jalan Sisingamangaraja in Medan on Thursday. The victims of this accident, both survivors and those who have passed away, will be handled and returned to their respective hometowns, Bobby continued. According to police reports, the ALS bus accident with licence plate BK 7778 DL and a tanker truck R6 owned by PT Seleraya with licence plate BG 8196 QB occurred on the Trans-Sumatra Highway in Karang Jaya Village, Muratara Regency, South Sumatra, on Wednesday (6/5) at 12:00 WIB. Personnel from Lubuk Linggau Police Resort in South Sumatra deployed 16 body bags for the deceased victims at Bhayangkara Mohammad Hasan Hospital in Palembang at 05:10 WIB. “This means the North Sumatra Provincial Government is ready to assist the victims, whether from North Sumatra or from outside North Sumatra,” Bobby explained. In addition, his side has coordinated with the South Sumatra Provincial Government since the night of the incident regarding the evacuation process of victims from Muratara to their respective areas of origin. The Governor also emphasised the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of the transportation safety system, including passenger manifest data and vehicle controls. “This serves as a lesson for all parties, both bus companies and local governments. Passenger manifests are very important to facilitate victim identification and handling during disasters,” said Bobby. Director of PT ALS Chandra Lubis expressed condolences over the ALS bus accident on the Medan-Semarang route in South Sumatra. According to him, the company has directly gone to the accident site to obtain information regarding the condition of the crew and passengers. “Currently, ALS representatives in South Sumatra have gone to the field and provided accommodation assistance for victims’ families who wish to go to South Sumatra,” he said. Chandra explained that the temporary number of fatalities is 16 people. There are also injured victims who are still receiving treatment at Bhayangkara Mohammad Hasan Hospital in Palembang. According to him, based on initial information, poor road conditions are suspected to be one of the factors causing the accident, leading the bus to veer into the right lane before colliding with the oil tanker. “PT ALS will take responsibility for the victims’ families and ensure compensation is provided to the victims,” Chandra stressed. Head of the North Sumatra Regional Office of PT Jasa Raharja, Nasjwin Andi Nurdin, assured that all passengers will receive compensation guarantees. However, the data collection process is still awaiting victim identification because some victims suffered burns. “All passengers are guaranteed by Jasa Raharja. However, we are still waiting for the identification process because the victims’ conditions are burned, thus requiring time,” he said.