At least 12 people were killed and five injured early Tuesday when a long-distance bus overturned in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra. The Antar Lintas Sumatra (ALS) bus, traveling from Medan to Jakarta, reportedly lost control after brake failure during a downhill stretch.
Arkes Refagus, local transport department head, confirmed the vehicle was speeding and failed to navigate a turn: "It rolled over completely after the brakes malfunctioned." Emergency crews worked to rescue trapped passengers amid the mangled wreckage.
Chronic Road Safety Challenges 🚧
This incident highlights Indonesia's ongoing struggles with road safety infrastructure. Long-haul buses frequently navigate mountainous terrain in Sumatra, with brake failures being a recurring issue. Authorities have launched an investigation into maintenance records and driver protocols.
