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Fatal pick-up truck crash sparks riot
A riot broke out on the second day of Idul Fitri after six motorcycle riders were killed by a speeding pick-up truck in Batam, Riau Islands on Tuesday
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riot broke out on the second day of Idul Fitri after sixmotorcycle riders were killed by a speeding pick-up truck in Batam, RiauIslands on Tuesday. The crash also left two others in critical condition.
Barelang Traffic Police law enforcement chief Comr. Bambang Harleyanto told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the motorcyclists were headed towards the Melur beach on Galang Island when a pick-up truck came from the opposite direction and crashed into them.
"The pick-up truck driver has been detained and is being treated at the hospital. The Barelang road is actually a very quiet road, but vehicles tend to speed there," he said.
Bambang noted that the number of traffic accidents decreased this year compared to accidents during Idul Fitri last year. He also said that the Barelang road was usually not prone to accidents because not many vehicles went past the area.
"We don't know if the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We have yet to examine him because he is still being treated at the hospital," he said.
The two injured motorcyclists, Rajab and Isran, are currently being treated for their critical injuries at the Embung Fatimah hospital.
The incident instilled anger among locals, who started throwing items at speeding vehicles. The riot calmed down after police deployed personnel to stabilize the region. (fss/dic)
