Van, truck collide head on, killing 10

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A speeding van hit a parked truck here on Thursday night, killing 10 people and severely injuring three others.

Witnesses said an Isuzu Panther van, carrying 11 passengers and traveling at high speed on a street in Limbangan, Labakkang district, Pangkep regency, some 65 kilometers from here, tried to stop abruptly to avoid colliding with a Toyota Kijang van approaching from the opposite direction.

The Kijang overturned but managed to avoid a collision. Its driver survived and fled afterwards to avoid police.

The Panther hit a Nissan truck parked on the side of the street. Nine out of its 11 passengers died instantly at the scene, while another one was pronounced dead after undergoing emergency treatment at a nearby general hospital.

Another passenger was still reported to be in intensive care at Ujungpandang Hospital, along with the truck driver, identified as Mustamin, 35, and his assistant, Hengky, 29.

Pangkep Police chief Lt. Col. Haryogo said the police were still looking for the Kijang driver for questioning. (09/30)