Seven Killed by Falling Tree in Pidie, Aceh

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Pidie Regency, Aceh Province, has confirmed that seven residents died after being struck by a falling tree on the Banda Aceh–Medan national road in the Tanjong Krueng area of Sigli.

Nasruddin, Head of the Fire and Rescue Division at BPBD Pidie, said the incident occurred on Tuesday, 11 August, at around 9.00 pm Western Indonesia Time.

“Seven people were recorded as having died after a large kedondong tree fell onto the road. The victims were passengers in an open-bed truck,” he said.

The seven deceased victims were Zubaidah (60), Nurmawati (50), Rapasah (55), Patimah Wati (47), Salbiah (68), Zainabon (64), and Halimah (68).

In addition to the fatalities, five other people suffered injuries, including to the neck and head. One of them was reported to be in a coma.

“All the victims were residents of Gampong Puli Seke, Pidie District, Pidie Regency,” he said.

The incident began when the open-bed truck carrying the victims was travelling along the Banda Aceh–Medan national road in the Tanjong Kreueng area.

A large tree, believed to be old and suffering from root decay, suddenly fell. The tree struck the open-bed truck carrying a group of residents from Gampong Puli.

The incident was reported to the Pidie BPBD Operations Control Centre. Personnel were then deployed to handle the situation and evacuate the victims.

BPBD officers also cleared tree debris to facilitate the evacuation. They recorded details and monitored the condition of victims receiving medical treatment.

“BPBD Pidie urges the public to increase their vigilance when passing through areas with large trees, especially during poor weather conditions and when there is a risk of falling trees,” Nasruddin said.