16 Killed in Indonesia Bus, Fuel Truck Crash

In Indonesia, at least 16 people were killed and four others injured after a passenger bus collided head-on with a fuel tanker truck on Sumatra Island on Wednesday, authorities said.

The deadly crash occurred around midday on the Trans-Sumatra Highway in North Musi Rawas, South Sumatra province. The intercity bus, carrying at least 20 passengers, was travelling from Lubuklinggau to Jambi when it struck a fuel truck coming from the opposite direction.

Local disaster management official Mujono said preliminary findings suggest the bus may have emitted sparks shortly before the collision. The driver reportedly swerved toward the right side of the road in an apparent attempt to avoid a more serious accident, but the approaching fuel tanker was travelling at high speed, leaving little time to prevent the impact.

The collision triggered a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles, trapping many victims inside.

Authorities confirmed that the dead included the bus driver, 13 passengers, and the fuel truck driver along with his assistant. Most victims died from severe burns after becoming trapped in the wreckage.

Four bus passengers survived and were taken to a nearby medical centre, including three suffering serious burns and one with minor injuries.

Emergency crews launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, while rescue teams worked to clear the scene on one of Indonesia’s busiest transport routes.