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STAMPEDE IN PASURUAN
Wahyoe Boediwardhana , The Jakarta Post , Pasuruan, East Java | Mon, 09/15/2008 7:54 PM | National
Alm: Dead bodies are laid at the Soediarsono General Hospital in Pasuruan, East Java. At least 21 people were killed in a stampede when thousands of people rushed to get an annual handout from a rich family in Pasuruan, Monday morning. JP/Wahyoe Boediwardhana
The annual distribution of Rp 30,000 (US$3) per person by Haji Syaikhon family attracted thousands of people to the family residence from early morning.
According to a witness, Abdul Rachim, 18, people who came from the villages near the city already started arriving at Syaikhon's home at 6 a.m. By 8 a.m., the number of people already reached over 2,000 people.
More poor people arrived at the scene, and people rushed into the house when the distribution began at 10:00 a.m., when the stampede started.
Lusiana, 36, who is now being treated at the Pasuruan general
hospital, told The Jakarta Post she went to Syaikhon together with
three of her friends.
"There were a lot of people around, pushing here and there, and we were
trapped in the middle. I could not stand it anymore and fainted.
"When I'm aware of the situation, I found out that one of my friends, Riama, passed away," she said, while crying.
Witnesses said there were no policemen during the stampede. Policemen
rushed to the scene when they received reports of the deaths.
At least 21 people died, nine people were seriously injured, and dozens
of others sustain minor injuries. All the dead bodies were laid at the
Pasuruan General Hospital.
Local police chief Sr. Comr. Rusli Nasution told Antara news agency
that the event was not coordinated with local officials or police.
The family, who has been conducting the distribution every year in the
middle of Ramadan, thought coordination was not necessary, he said.
"Several members of the family have been investigated. We certainly
don't want this kind of incident to happen in the future," Rusli said.
(dre)
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YUSUF HAKK (not verified) — Fri, 09/19/2008 - 11:24pm
IT comes as no surprise to me that in java 21 people would die for rp30,000. shame on the worthless system and government of indonesia. throw all the bums out now!
Lestariah (not verified) — Thu, 09/18/2008 - 8:54pm
It is interesting but not surprising that this story has not made international news. This is a tragedy and is wrong on so many levels! Will do my best to get this story out across the world.
Concerned Citizen
Per A. (not verified) — Wed, 09/17/2008 - 10:21am
Very sad....to hear that some people can blame the poor and hungry people for this incident. Isn't bad enough that people have to get these handouts.....
I really hope that the family behind this gets responsible for the incident. They should know better....
Tragedy (not verified) — Tue, 09/16/2008 - 10:31pm
This is a national tragedy, very heart breaking. What we can also learn from this unfortunate event is to start "lining up" and respect the people who came before us. I wonder when we can implement this culture.
Jimbean (not verified) — Tue, 09/16/2008 - 3:51am
Why cant they just give money out quietly instead of showing off.. Maybe the poor should ask them to be buried in the rich man's yard to remind that showing off cause LIVES.
Wijaya (not verified) — Tue, 09/16/2008 - 3:07am
Did the government response to any kind of this news. I hope they will feel embarrassed to see that poor people died just for $4.
A Sad Day (not verified) — Mon, 09/15/2008 - 10:09pm
It is a sad day in the Month Of Ramadan. It has been good practiced to hand-out to the poor and never to the extend of impatience to get the hand-out. Where are the self reflection and tolerance may I ask. Why ?
Those survived ought to be ashame ... dare you enjoy the hand-out now ??? Are you people so greedy and hungry, that made you so inconsiderate ?
I am going back to the mountain for an ask ...
Jaka (not verified) — Mon, 09/15/2008 - 8:35pm
Regardless how good the motive is, Haji Syaikhon must be responsible for this incident and taken to the court.