On Tuesday morning, a routine journey turned tragic when an Antar Lintas Sumatra (ALS) bus traveling the Medan-Jakarta route lost control on a bend in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra, after its brakes failed. The bus overturned, claiming 12 lives and injuring at least 5 others, local authorities confirmed.
Arkes Refagus, head of the transport department in Padang Panjang, explained that the bus was moving at high speed when its braking system malfunctioned. "The ALS bus experienced brake failure while moving at high speed. It failed to negotiate a bend and rolled over," Refagus said, highlighting ongoing concerns over vehicle maintenance on busy intercity routes.
The accident underscores the risks faced by passengers on long-haul journeys across Indonesia’s islands, where heavy traffic and varying road conditions make reliable safety systems a must. For many young travelers and digital nomads exploring Southeast Asia’s landscapes, understanding local transport risks is crucial.
Experts urge transport operators to enforce rigorous safety checks and invest in regular maintenance to prevent mechanical failures. Improved oversight and driver training could help curb the rising number of bus-related incidents that disrupt lives and communities across the archipelago.
As emergency crews worked to aid the injured and recover the fallen, calls for enhanced road safety measures are growing louder. For global citizens and thought leaders alike, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of travel vigilance and the real-world impact of infrastructure shortcomings.
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12 killed, 5 injured in bus accident in Indonesia's West Sumatra
cgtn.com
