South Sumatra Police Process ALS Bus Accident Scene, Discover Gas Cylinders and Two Motorcycles
During the crime scene processing, findings included gas cylinders and two motorcycles in the bus’s cargo. Officers also discovered seats, wooden beds, and motor machinery. These discoveries indicate the presence of cargo beyond the regulations for public passenger transport and are being investigated further.
The Head of Public Relations for South Sumatra Police, Senior Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, expressed condolences to all the victims’ families. He assured that the incident is being handled to the maximum extent.
“This is a major tragedy that is deeply distressing. We extend our deepest condolences to all the victims’ families. All our resources, from the Muratara Police Resort, South Sumatra Police, Bhayangkara Hospital, to the National Police Central Health DVI Team, are working tirelessly to ensure all victims are identified and families receive certainty as quickly as possible,” Nandang told reporters on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
Currently, the police’s main focus is the identification process for the victims through the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) operation. The National Police DVI operation is being conducted to ensure all victims are identified scientifically and accurately.
The 16 body bags previously evacuated to Lubuk Linggau Hospital have been transferred to Mohammad Hasan Bhayangkara Hospital in Palembang for further identification. The DVI team is led directly by the Head of DVI for the National Police Central Health, Senior Commissioner Dr. Wahyu Hidajati, along with experts from the National Police Central Health DVI.
The incident occurred around 12:00 WIB, involving the ALS bus with licence plate BK-7778-DL travelling from Lubuk Linggau towards Rupit, colliding with a tanker truck from PT Seleraya coming from the opposite direction. Based on initial investigations, the ALS bus driver, initialed A, is suspected of attempting to avoid a road pothole and veering to the right lane, resulting in a frontal collision that triggered an explosion and intense fire.
The incident resulted in 16 deaths, namely 14 bus passengers and two tanker truck crew members. In addition, three people suffered serious burns and are currently receiving intensive treatment at Muara Rupit Hospital.
Meanwhile, one bus conductor with minor injuries is undergoing examination at the Traffic Unit of Muratara Police Resort. Furthermore, the police are also paying attention to the condition of the road infrastructure at the accident site.
Facts regarding the presence of potholes on the Trans-Sumatra route, suspected to be the initial trigger of the accident, will be thoroughly investigated with relevant parties for the safety of road users.