Smoke from land burning triggers multi-vehicle crash on the Binjai Toll Road

A multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Binjai Toll Road toward Langsa, specifically at Kilometer 25+400 B. The crash was caused by thick smoke resulting from land burning that covered the toll road. “Because of the fire, thick smoke covered the main carriageway,” said AKBP Dhery Fajariandono, head of the PJR Directorate of Traffic at the North Sumatra Police, as quoted by detikSumut on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The smoke appeared because a resident with the initials GSN carried out land burning. Officers immediately attempted to extinguish the blaze, but the fire, carried by the wind, spread to the toll road’s right of way (ROW). “Because of the fire, thick smoke appeared that covered the main carriageway, reducing drivers’ visibility,” he explained. Officers coordinated with the fire department and deployed a water tanker to assist with extinguishing as the fire grew and the smoke thickened, blocking the road. The thick smoke triggered the multi-vehicle crash at Km 25+400 B. “There was a multi-vehicle crash involving three vehicles, namely a Mitsubishi Xpander, a Ford Ranger, and a vehicle in Class III,” he said. As a result of the crash, a passenger named SS sustained minor injuries to the leg. Police summoned all involved parties, including the land burner and the crash victims, for mediation.