At least 16 people were killed when a passenger bus collided with a fuel tanker on the Trans-Sumatra highway in South Sumatra province, Indonesia, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The intercity bus was travelling from Lubuklinggau to Jambi when it struck the tanker coming from the opposite direction.
Mugono, an official from the local disaster management agency who uses only one name, said the bus was carrying at least 20 passengers at the time of the crash. "The forceful impact triggered a fire that engulfed both vehicles, leaving many victims trapped inside," he stated.
Authorities reported that those killed included the bus driver, 13 passengers, and the tanker truck's driver and assistant. Four passengers survived and were taken to a nearby health clinic; three suffered serious burns, while the fourth sustained minor injuries.
Emergency teams, firefighters, and police officers worked for hours to control the blaze and remove victims from the wreckage. Images from Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency showed thick black smoke rising from the burning vehicles as firefighters attempted to douse the flames. Both vehicles were left badly charred, with twisted metal and debris scattered across the highway. Rescue workers noted that several victims were trapped, complicating recovery efforts and causing major traffic disruptions.
Recurring Transport Tragedies in Indonesia
Transport accidents are common in Indonesia, where ageing infrastructure and poorly maintained vehicles raise safety concerns across road and rail networks. This deadly crash comes just days after a commuter train collided with a long-distance train near Jakarta on 27 April, killing 16 people and injuring dozens more. That incident intensified worries about railway safety, particularly at unguarded level crossings lacking barriers, according to Asia News Network.
Days later, another train accident occurred in Central Java when a train hit a minivan carrying nine family members at an unguarded crossing. Five people, including two children, were killed, and four others were injured. Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman commented: "This series of accidents should serve as a warning to improve public transportation, particularly railways. Fleets, infrastructure, and public services must be supported by adequate infrastructure such as safe level crossings."
