Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar. Bali Regional Police are investigating the cause of a fatal minibus crash that killed five Chinese citizens in Buleleng, northern Bali, early Friday morning. 

The accident occurred along the Singaraja–Denpasar route when a Toyota Hiace carrying 13 Chinese tourists lost control on a downhill curve.

“The case is under investigation and we cannot confirm the scientific or theoretical cause yet. We will provide updates once the analysis is complete,” Bali Police Traffic Director Senior Superintendent Turmudi said on Monday (17/11/2025), as reported by antaranews.com.

Police said multiple factors such as driver error, vehicle condition, and road characteristics are being examined. Officers are coordinating with the Chinese Consulate and Interpol on victim handling and repatriation procedures. Eight passengers were injured, while the surviving tourists are under police protection and receiving medical care.

The Hiace reportedly veered off the road, entered a resident’s garden, and hit a tree before bouncing back, according to Buleleng  Police Traffic Chief Superintendent Bachtiar Arifin. The driver survived with minor injuries and is being questioned. The investigation remains ongoing.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)