Sixteen Dead in Multiple-Vehicle Collision

Cianjur, W Java (Antara Bali) - Sixteen people were killed in a multiple-vehicle collision on Cianjur-Sukabumi Street, West Java, on Saturday.

Most of the dead victims were employees who were on their way to work in several factories around the street.

The accident also injured 12 other people who are now being taken care in Emergency Room of Cianjur General Hospital (RSUD).

According to some eyewitnesses, the accident was caused by an oil truck, plate license number L 9763 AO, that was running fast toward Cianjur from Sukabumi.

The truck was suspected to have brake failure in Bangbayang, Gekbrong Subdistrict, that caused the vehicle to hit an angkot, local term for public minivan.

Crashing the angkot, the truck was out of control and then it rammed five motorists and slammed a resident house.

"I can see it clearly when the truck hit the angkot full with passengers and then smashing the motorists and a house," said an eyewitness, Rudi Susilo (46).

The angkot was badly damaged and some of its passengers and the motorists died following the collision.

Cianjur Police Sector Station Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Agustri Heriyanto had confirmed the accident and said the brake failure was suspected to cause the collision.

"The bodies of the driver and dozens of victims are now in RSUD Cianjur' mortuary. Families or relatives of the victims can come to the hospital," Heriyanto said. (*/T007)