Student Bus Accident on Malang Toll Road, 4 People Dead, 30 Injured

Kapanlagi.com - A tragic accident shook KM 55 of the Pandaan-Pasuruan Toll Road on Monday afternoon, December 23, 2024. A tourist bus carrying 50 students from an Integrated Islamic Junior High School in Bogor was involved in a horrific collision with a truck that failed to conquer a steep incline. As a result of this heartbreaking incident, four lives were lost and 30 other students were injured.

"The incident occurred around 16:40 WIB. The truck struck the bus at high speed, allegedly because the driver was drowsy," said the Head of Traffic Police of Pasuruan, AKP Andi Wijaya, as reported by Liputan6.com on Tuesday (24/12/2024).

A joint team consisting of police, medical volunteers, and toll authorities immediately carried out the evacuation process. The injured victims were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, a thorough investigation into the cause of this accident is still ongoing to uncover the actual facts.

1. Accident Chronology: Major Collision on Pandaan-Pasuruan Toll Road

A tragic incident shook KM 55 of the Pandaan-Pasuruan Toll Road around 4:40 PM WIB, when a tourist bus carrying a group of junior high school students from IT Darul Qur'an Mulia Putri in Bogor was on its way to Malang for a study activity in Kampung Inggris Kediri and was involved in an accident.

According to the explanation from the Head of Malang Police, AKBP Putu Kholis Aryana, the accident began when a truck loaded with animal feed was unable to climb and had to stop on the shoulder of the toll road.

In an attempt to chase the truck that was rolling back uncontrollably, the unfortunate bus driver was unable to avoid it and was ultimately struck by the truck.

Although the truck driver tried to chock the wheels of his vehicle, the truck suddenly moved backward and collided with the bus that was passing from Surabaya to Malang, causing severe damage to the front of the bus, including the driver's compartment.

Now, the police are investigating the technical condition of the vehicle and the braking system of the truck to determine whether there was negligence that caused this accident.

2. Victim Conditions and Emergency Evacuation

In a tragic incident, four lives were lost, including the bus driver and three passengers seated in the front.

Medical volunteer, Naufal Zhorifah, revealed that many of them suffered severe injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma.

"We conducted the evacuation carefully, as some victims were trapped inside the bus," Naufal explained. In a tense atmosphere, the joint team along with heavy equipment struggled hard to lift the wrecked vehicle, while the injured victims were quickly rushed to the nearest hospital, including Saiful Anwar Hospital in Malang. This dramatic process highlights the vulnerability of life behind every journey.

3. Handling Victims and Crisis Center

The Traffic Directorate of East Java Police is currently conducting an analysis of the traffic accident to uncover the chronology of events scientifically, while also examining the health condition and awareness of the truck driver before the tragic incident, in order to find out if there was any negligence involved.

Meanwhile, the Malang Police has opened a Crisis Center at the Karanglo Toll Exit, as a place for the victims' families to obtain accurate information about their relatives being treated in various hospitals. The Head of Malang Police, AKBP Putu Kholis Aryana, emphasized that this information center is designed to facilitate families in searching for data related to the victims' conditions.

"We invite families to come directly to the Crisis Center to get further information," Kholis said, as reported by ANTARA.

On the other hand, to reduce traffic congestion due to the vehicle evacuation, the toll authorities and police also provided traffic diversion services.

4. Driving Safety Advisory

In response to the accident incident that occurred, the police remind all drivers, especially bus and truck drivers, to always ensure that their vehicles are in the best condition before hitting the road.

They are advised to conduct thorough inspections, starting from the brakes, tires, to other vehicle systems, especially when traversing toll roads that allow for high speeds.

Additionally, the police emphasize the importance of not pushing oneself when feeling drowsy, and always taking the time to rest at rest areas to ensure safety on the highway.

5. What is the main cause of this accident?

The suspected cause of this accident began with a truck that was unable to conquer the incline, which then unexpectedly rolled back and collided with a tourist bus traveling at high speed from behind.

6. What is the number of victims in this accident?

In a tragic incident, four lives were lost and 30 students were injured. This event has shaken the hearts of many, leaving deep sorrow amidst hopes and dreams that should still be intertwined.

7. Where are the victims receiving treatment?

The victims are now receiving intensive care at Saiful Anwar Hospital and several other hospitals in Malang, where they are fighting to recover with an unwavering hope.

8. Has the toll road been reopened?

The toll road has now been reopened, but traffic is being diverted to alternative routes for the smooth evacuation process that is currently underway.

9. What can be done to prevent similar accidents?

Regular vehicle inspections and ensuring that drivers are in their best condition are crucial steps to prevent the recurrence of similar tragedies. This accident should serve as a reminder to all of us about the importance of road safety, especially on toll roads which often become high-risk areas.

(kpl/srr)