Inp.polri.go.id - Malang. Malang Sub-regional Police are investigating the cause of a fatal collision between a bus and a truck on Kilometer (KM) 77+200 of the Pandaan-Malang Toll Road, East Java, which claimed four lives on Monday afternoon (23/12/2024).

Malang Police Chief Superintendent Putu Kholis Aryana said that the truck faced difficulties on an uphill and curving section of the toll road. 

"The truck couldn't climb the incline and came to a stop on the shoulder, then rolled backward uncontrollably. We’re examining whether the hand brake failed," he explained, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The truck was reportedly carrying livestock feed, and authorities are also investigating whether the vehicle was overloaded.

Initial findings reveal the truck stopped on the roadside, with the driver attempting to wedge its rear tires. However, the wedge failed, causing the truck to roll backward. 

"The driver tried to regain control but was too late, as a bus traveling at high speed collided with it," said Chief Putu.

The collision caused severe damage to the bus's front-right side and the truck’s left side. Four fatalities were confirmed: the bus driver, a crew member, and two passengers.

The victims were evacuated to RSUD Dr. Saiful Anwar Regional Hospital in Malang, while investigations at the scene continue.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)