Indonesia: Passenger bus plunges into ravine, killing 3

[News_Editor]

Indonesia: Passenger bus plunges into ravine, killing 3

2011-08-18 10:48:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

MALANG, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- At least three people were killed on Wednesday when a passenger bus plunged into a ravine in East Java in Indonesia, officials said on Thursday.

The accident happened at around 12 p.m. local time in Slatri village, which is located in Malang of East Java. The Antara news agency reported that the passenger bus, which was headed towards Jombang, was attempting to pass a car but suddenly confronted an oncoming vehicle.

Pujon Police Precinct Superintendent Sugiman said that, at that moment, the driver of the bus made a sharp turn to avoid a collision and plunged down the 60-meter (196 feet) deep ravine.

Two of the passengers died at the scene while a third later succumbed to his wounds while en-route to a local hospital. At least 27 other people were also injured, including 15 who were said to be in a serious condition.

According to official figures, road accidents kill more than 16,500 people a year in Indonesia, although the actual number is estimated to be more than 37,000. Many accidents in the country are blamed on poor maintenance and dangerous driving as police officers can often be bribed to ignore violations.

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