Seven dead in traffic accident

MEDAN, North Sumatra: At least seven people died when a speeding public minibus was hit by a truck on Tuesday morning in Penara village, Deli Serdang regency.

The fatalities were all passengers on the Intan Sari public minibus, which was plying the Medan-Lubuk Pakam route. All of the minibus's 14 passengers were civil servants in the Deli Serdang Regency office who were on their way to work, Antara reported.

The minibus was hit by the truck as it was going around a bend. Witnesses said the driver of the minibus had been driving recklessly. The unidentified driver was reported as being in critical condition.