Police detain driver suspected of causing fatal multi-vehicle crash in Sibolangit, North Sumatra

Police have detained a truck driver suspected of causing a multi-vehicle collision on the Jamin Ginting road, Km 44-45, in Sibolangit, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, which left four people dead and eight others injured. Medan Police Chief Commissioner Calvijn Simanjuntak stated that the driver, identified by the initial I (50), is currently in custody at the Pancur Batu Police Station and is undergoing questioning. The accident is believed to have occurred when a truck carrying gallons of mineral water, travelling from Karo Regency towards Medan, allegedly suffered brake failure and triggered the pile-up. The incident involved nine vehicles: one truck, two Colt Diesel trucks, five minibuses, and one motorcycle. The four deceased victims have been identified as Heppi Sitinjak (60), Dinaria Manik (60), Samsir Sitinjak (30), and Anton Simorangkir. Eight other victims sustained injuries; two were treated at a local community health centre, while six were referred to the H. Adam Malik Central General Hospital in Medan for further medical care. Police personnel from the Medan Police and the North Sumatra Regional Police Traffic Directorate immediately responded to the scene, prioritising victim evacuation and securing the area. All vehicles involved have been removed to the road shoulder, and traffic flow on the Medan-Berastagi route has returned to normal in both directions. Investigators from the Medan Police Traffic Unit’s Law Enforcement division are continuing to probe the exact cause of the crash, with brake failure remaining the primary line of inquiry. Authorities have extended their condolences to the families of the deceased.