Severe Traffic Congestion at Gilimanuk Port in Bali Leaves 17 Travellers Unconscious

Severe congestion stretched for 32 kilometres approaching Gilimanuk Port in Jembrana, Bali, causing 17 homebound travellers to lose consciousness on Sunday 15 March due to exhaustion and extreme heat exposure whilst queuing to board vessels.

Travellers had been queuing for approximately 14 hours without boarding any ferries. Ferry crossing operations and vessel services at Gilimanuk Port are managed by ASDP Indonesia Ferry.

The victims were predominantly motorcycle riders who endured dust and intense sun along the main Denpasar-Gilimanuk route. Medical teams from the Jembrana Police Medical Services (Dokkes) provided first aid at congestion points. Aiptu I Gusti Bagus Adi Sadnyana Putra, head of the Jembrana Police Medical Services, confirmed that by Sunday evening his unit had treated numerous travellers suffering serious health complications.

“All have been treated and all cases resulted from exhaustion. We medically evacuated a total of 17 people,” stated Adi.

Of the 17 individuals, 16 were diagnosed with heat syncope—sudden fainting or dizziness caused by exposure to high temperatures. This condition triggers blood vessel dilation causing a drastic reduction in blood flow to the brain.

“Sixteen people with heat syncope have been treated and deemed fit to continue their journey. Another person suffered vulnus laceratum, or a laceration,” explained Adi.

The traveller with the laceration received medical treatment including wound suturing and appropriate medication according to medical protocols.

Beyond adult travellers, an infant was also evacuated by Jembrana Police personnel on Saturday 14 March evening. The baby, accompanied by parents, was taken to the Cargo Service Centre after showing signs of health distress from being stuck in traffic for extended hours.