KNKT launches probe as bus accident toll tops 12
Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java | Thu, 02/02/2012 5:20 PM
The death toll stands at 12 as police, the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) and the local transportation agency investigate the worst accident in West Java in a year.
“We have yet to name a suspect in the accident. We can’t question the driver yet as he is still in shock and injured,” Sumedang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Arman Achadiat said on Thursday.
A Maju Jaya bus plying the Tasikmalaya-Karawang route fell into a 10-meter-deep ravine after colliding with a Colt Diesel truck near Wado, Sumedang, on Wednesday afternoon, killing 12 people and injuring 26 others, including the driver.
The bus, carrying 40 passengers, fell into the ravine when its driver, Asep, 37, lost control after rear-ending the truck, Arman said.
Asep told police he was driving at 60 kilometers an hour when the bus’ breaks failed, causing the accident – a claim buttressed by the police’s preliminary investigation, which indicated that none of the vehicles involved used their breaks.
West Java Transportation Agency head Dicky Saromi said that the bus was roadworthy and had a valid permit.
The bodies of the dead and the injured victims were taken to Sumedang General Hospital. (dic)
