Inp.polri.go.id - Malang. A 65-year-old truck driver has been named a suspect in the fatal accident at KM 77+200 of the Pandaan-Malang Toll Road, which claimed four lives, including the driver, assistant, and two bus passengers. 

Malang Sub-regional Police Chief Superintendent Putu Kholis Aryana said that the driver, identified as SW, violated several articles under Indonesia’s Traffic and Road Transport Law. The suspect’s negligence was confirmed through an in-depth investigation, including on-site analysis, witness statements, and evidence evaluation, according to antaranews.com.

Investigators discovered incomplete maintenance records for the truck’s cooling system from July to December 2024. 

The neglected inspections led to engine overheating, causing the truck to stop at a steep curve with the engine still running. Further findings revealed a burst radiator hose and malfunctioning brakes, critical factors in the crash.

Although the driver has been charged, he remains under medical care for injuries sustained in the incident. Police confirmed he was not under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)