Replacement driver arrested

Replacement driver arrested

BREBES, Central Java: The Brebes police arrested Prayitno, the replacement driver of the Langsung Jaya bus, at a restaurant in Kendal regency two days after an incident in which 10 passengers were killed and six others injured.

Prayitno said on Monday that he was not responsible for the tragic accident, as he was not on the bus when the incident took place. He had gotten out of the vehicle before it reached Brebes.

Police have named driver Suranto, 40, and conductor Joko Bengkong, 34, as suspects in the accident. Both are still at large.

Brebes Police detective chief First Insp. Eko Hadi P. said that they were still searching for the two suspects.

He also said that the forensic team had discovered the cause of the fire: "The wires to the battery were stripped bare and caused a short circuit that started the fire."

Eko also said that one of the victims, Sarjo, who had earlier been confirmed dead, was alive. The body that had been identified as Sarjo's, was identified as Zamanan.

All the victims' families will receive compensation from state-owned insurance company PT Jasa Raharja. Each family who had a relative die in the accident will receive Rp 10 million (US$1,220) while the injured will get Rp 5 million. --JP