Police Deny Gridlocks Led to Deaths Of Lebaran Travelers

Semarang, C Java (Antara Bali)- Central Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Condro Kirono has denied reports that some Eid al-Fitr, or Lebaran, travelers in Brebes, Central Java, died of fatigue due to serious gridlocks.

"There should be medical records confirming that the travelers died of exhaustion before claiming that they had lost their lives as a result of fatigue due to traffic jams during the Lebaran journey," the regional police chief remarked on Thursday.

A dozen Lebaran travelers had reportedly died during the Lebaran exodus that occurred a day before Eid, on July 6, during the post-fasting month of Ramadan.

The regional police chief noted that the reason behind the alleged deaths of a dozen Lebaran travelers should be confirmed through a medical examination.

Kirono questioned whether the bodies of the victims had been examined by doctors. Hence, the regional police chief affirmed that no Lebaran travelers had died of exhaustion due to traffic jams.

"Please confirm it with the parties who made the report. If they said the victims died due to gridlocks, please tell me. There were no deaths due to traffic jams," he emphasized.

Earlier, the Health Service of Brebes reported that a dozen travelers had died due to serious traffic jams that took place during the Lebaran exodus.

The travelers had died as a result of certain illnesses or their declining health condition.

According to information published on the Central Java regional police's website, 18 travelers had died due to traffic accidents that took place during the period between six to two days before Eid in various regions of Central Java.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health stated on Wednesday that traffic jams were not the cause of the deaths of 13 homebound travelers in Brebes who were on their way to their native towns.

Based on reports received from the local health services, the deaths occurred over a period of three days, on July 3-5, at different locations and due to several factors, the ministry noted.

"The tragedy did not occur due to any traffic jams, nor did it happen in one day or at any single location, as reported by several media outlets," Oscar Primadi, head of communications and the public service bureau of the Ministry of Health, remarked in a press release received by Antara here on Wednesday.

Achmad Yurianto, head of the ministry's crisis center, explained that several factors could have contributed to these deaths, including fatigue and dehydration.

These factors could prove to be fatal, especially for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people suffering from chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart ailments.

"Small cabins, with the air conditioning system running continuously, can lead to a drop in the levels of oxygen and increase the carbon dioxide content," he stated.

To prevent the recurrence of such fatalities, the Ministry of Health has reminded travelers returning after celebrating Eid to ensure they are in good health and also prioritize their safety.

Yurianto revealed that the Ministry of Health had prepared 3,582 health facilities in the form of 870 health posts, two thousand community health centers, 271 hospitals, and 207 port health service centers.

"Motorists or travelers could use the facilities if they feel tired, sleepy, or are not fine before continuing their journey," he stressed.

Oscar also pointed to the fact that the ministry had set up a medical emergency hotline service 119, and people in need of any such facilities can call the number.

"Even if an ambulance is not rushed, the operators would offer guidance on what emergency actions can be taken by the family members or fellow travelers. This will help in minimizing any casualties," he emphasized.

It was earlier reported that 12 travelers had died after being trapped in a traffic jam along the Pejagan-Brebes toll road on Monday.

The local health service in Brebes, Central Java, announced that the travelers had died as they were in poor health or the ambulance had arrived late due to traffic congestion. (WDY)