At least 12 people died on Monday after a minibus traveling along a counterflow lane crashed into a bus on a busy toll road in West Java, forcing the National Police to evaluate the overall implementation of counterflow lanes during the Idul Fitri mudik (exodus).
t least 12 people died on Monday after a minibus traveling along a counterflow lane crashed into a bus on a busy toll road in West Java, forcing the National Police to evaluate the overall implementation of counterflow lanes during the Idul Fitri mudik (exodus) that is now in full swing.
The crash took place at around 7:30 a.m. on kilometer 58 of the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road in Karawang, West Java.
It started when the Suzuki GranMax minibus heading to Cikampek on a counterflow lane changed lanes and drove into oncoming traffic, reportedly in an attempt to reach the shoulder of the road on the other side of the counterflow lane.
The minibus hit a speeding oncoming bus that reportedly was unable to stop in time.
A third car, a mini SUV, behind the bus failed to swerve away from the crash and hit the bus, according to the police and the bus driver.
The police are still investigating why the minibus swerved into oncoming traffic, but several media outlets reported the minibus was attempting to reach the shoulder of the road due either due to an engine problem or the driver’s fatigue.
Counterflow lanes are among traffic policies the police have put in place on Java’s main toll roads since the beginning of mudik on Friday to ease gridlock during what is expected to be the biggest mudik in Indonesia’s history.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.