Truck crashes off bridge; Six die

WONOGIRI, Central Java: Six people died and 14 others were seriously injured on Friday evening when a truck, overloaded with passengers heading for a wedding ceremony, drove off a bridge and plunged into a river at Deling village, Bulukerto district.

Wonogiri Police chief Lt. Col. Bambang Sudarisman told The Jakarta Post on Saturday that the fatal accident was caused by errors made by the driver, Sukiyo, 36.

Sukiyo failed to control the truck after attempting to overtake a motorcycle in the middle of the bridge, the officer said. Police have questioned the driver concerning violations of several traffic regulations.

"The truck is not allowed to carry humans. Moreover, the tires of the vehicle were bald and the brakes did not work," Bambang said.

According to the officer, the truck, which was speeding, after overtaking the motorcycle hit the fence on the side of the bridge, causing its right front tire to blow out.

The car then rolled over several times on the bridge before falling into the river, the officer said.

All of the dead victims were buried in one grave at their hometown, Domas village, in Bulukerto.

The wounded passengers are still being treated at the local hospital. (har/bsr)