At least 13 people were killed and five others injured after a pickup truck carrying wedding guests was crushed between two trucks in a devastating road accident on Indonesia’s Java Island, local authorities said.
Read More: Indonesia cracks down on ear-splitting ‘haram’ street parties
The tragedy occurred on Sunday afternoon near Kejayan Kulon village in Indramayu Regency along the island’s northern coastal highway. According to local media, the victims were returning home after attending a wedding ceremony in a nearby village when the fatal collision took place.
Traffic police said the pickup truck, which was transporting passengers in its open cargo bed without proper seating, had slowed down to make a U-turn when it was struck from behind by a speeding truck. The powerful impact forced the vehicle into the opposite lane, where it collided head-on with another fast-moving truck.
The pickup was crushed between the two heavy vehicles, leaving it completely mangled. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but 13 passengers died instantly due to the severity of the impact. Five injured survivors were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition while others are said to be stable.
Local traffic police chief Andang Syarif Hidayat said an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash and establish whether negligence, speeding or other traffic violations contributed to the accident.
Road safety experts have long warned that Indonesia continues to face serious traffic safety challenges. Poor road conditions, weak enforcement of traffic regulations, speeding and the widespread practice of carrying passengers in vehicles not designed for public transport have contributed to thousands of fatal accidents each year.
Read More: Dreams from my father: a Pakistani perspective
Authorities are expected to examine the actions of both truck drivers and whether the pickup was operating in compliance with road safety regulations. The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved public awareness to reduce road fatalities across the country.