One dead, six injured in Tangerang pileup

A woman was killed instantly and six others were injured in an accident involving three trucks, a public minivan and a motorcycle on Jl. Sudirman, Tangerang, in front of Cikokol vegetable market, on Thursday at around 3 a.m.

The fatality was identified as Veronica Lumban Gaol, 44, a resident of Binong Permai housing complex in Curug district, while the injured were vegetable vendor, Hatta, 30, a resident of Legok district; motorist Kasdani, 43, his wife Mardiana and their children Mia, 5, and Yudis, 2, residents of Taman Royal housing complex in Cipondoh district; and public minivan passenger Erni Indarwati, a resident of Pondok Jagung village, Serpong district.

Hatta and Kasdani suffered serious leg injuries and were scheduled to undergo surgery later on Thursday at the general hospital and at Husada Insani Hospital respectively.

Dr. Rosita at Husada Insani Hospital's emergency room said the other four victims were sent home after being treated for minor injuries.

An eyewitness, Samiji, said the accident occurred when the public minivan stopped in the middle lane of the road to pick up market customers standing on the side of the road. Two trucks and a motorcycle managed to stop in time to let the shoppers cross the lane to the minivan.

"But the last truck could not stop and hit the other vehicles," he said, adding that one of the vehicles hit Veronica and Hatta from behind.

Tangerang Police traffic unit chief Insp. Syamsu said the police were looking for the driver and assistant of the first truck that hit the shoppers. They both fled the scene after the accident. The police are still questioning the other truck drivers and witnesses. -- JP