Three Germans survive car explosion

BULELENG: Three German tourists survived a freak traffic accident when their minivan exploded Monday in Gerokgak, a coastal village in Bali's northern region of Buleleng.

"The locals managed to evacuate the tourists from the burning vehicle. However, the vehicle and the tourists' belongings were all burned," said Gerokgak Police chief Adj. Comr. Nyoman Kartika.

"Preliminary investigations concluded it was purely a traffic accident," he added.

The minivan's driver, Ali, 30, said the vehicle's rear left tire came apart, sending the minivan into an uncontrollable spin along the road before it eventually rolled over and exploded. - JP