A devastating head-on collision between a passenger bus and a fuel tanker lorry on Indonesia's Sumatra island has left at least 16 people dead and four others injured, officials have confirmed.
The crash occurred on Wednesday, May 6, around midday on the Trans-Sumatra Highway in North Musi Rawas regency, South Sumatra province. The intercity bus, carrying at least 20 people, was travelling from Lubuklinggau to Jambi when it struck the tanker lorry travelling in the opposite direction.
Local disaster management agency official Mugono stated that preliminary findings suggested the bus may have emitted sparks shortly before the collision, possibly prompting the driver to steer right to avert a more serious incident. However, the approaching tanker lorry was travelling at high speed, leaving little time to avoid a direct impact. The forceful collision sparked a fire that engulfed both vehicles, trapping many victims inside.
The deceased include the bus driver and 13 passengers, along with the tanker's driver and assistant, all of whom burned to death. Four bus passengers survived, with three suffering severe burn injuries and one sustaining minor injuries. They were taken to a nearby health clinic.
North Musi Rawas traffic police chief Muhammad Karim confirmed that 16 body bags have been received at Siti Aisyah Hospital in Lubuk Linggau for identification. Disaster Victim Identification teams have so far confirmed the identities of five victims, including the bus driver, two bus crew members, the tanker driver and one passenger. The remaining 11 victims are yet to be identified, with forensic teams facing challenges due to severe burns.
Karim retracted earlier findings, stating that investigators now believe the bus veered into the opposite lane while trying to avoid a pothole, resulting in the head-on collision and subsequent fire. Emergency responders, including disaster officers and traffic police, worked to evacuate victims and clear the wreckage, though rescue efforts were hampered by trapped victims, causing significant disruption along the highway.
