Driver probed as families of victims demand punishment

The police said on Sunday that they were still questioning 43-year-old L, the driver of a Karunia Bakti bus that plunged into a ravine in Cisarua, Bogor, West Java, on Friday evening.

“The driver is in custody and has been undergoing intensive questioning,” Bogor Traffic Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Zainal Abidin said, adding that the police were still trying to find out what caused the accident.

According to Zainal, police officers are still investigating the allegations of malfunctioning brakes, rear tire damage and the driver jumping off the bus prior to it plunging into the ravine.

The horrific accident left 14 dead and 57 others injured.

The bus, coming from Garut, West Java, and heading for Jakarta, smashed into four cars and a number of motorcycles before swerving across the highway, hitting another bus and a public minivan coming from the opposite direction.

The bus then plunged into a ravine after smashing into a food stall, killing the seller, and a villa.

The injured victims are being treated in at least four hospitals. Eleven are reportedly being treated at Sentra Medika Hospital in Cibinong, four at Cisarua Pulmonary Hospital, five at the Indonesian Red Cross Hospital in Bogor, and one at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital.

The driver and crew of the bus reportedly fled the scene of the accident, but were apprehended by the Bogor Police on Saturday. Driver L was apprehended along with crew members DJ and R.

So far, only L has been named a suspect in the case and has been charged under the 2009 Traffic Law for reckless driving resulting in death.

Families and friends of the victims are hoping justice will be served in the case.

“I hope the bus driver that hit my sister will be severely punished, as he has robbed my family of its breadwinner,” said Uan Suansih, the sister of Aisah, the food stall seller killed in the accident.

Siti Hana, one of the injured victims, shared Uan’s sentiment.

“These public vehicle drivers must be taught a lesson so that they realize how precious the lives of their passengers and other motorist are,” said Siti. One of her colleagues, Lili Tifah, died on the spot.

A separate traffic accident took place on the Jagorawi toll road at around 14:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. A public minivan, reportedly carrying 16 people, collided with a bus as it changed lanes near the Cibinong-Citeureup tollgate.

Upon the collision, the minivan bounced off the bus, flipped over twice and hit the toll road’s central divider hard.

No fatalities were reported as of Sunday evening, but the driver and all passengers of the minivan were injured. They were taken to Bina Husada Hospital in Cibinong, Bogor regency, West Java.

The bus reportedly started to drive away after the accident. (mim)