12 Dead in West Sumatra Bus Crash After Brake Failure

At least 12 passengers were killed and five injured when a long-distance bus overturned in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday morning, Xinhua reported. The Antar Lintas Sumatra (ALS) bus, en route from Medan to Jakarta, lost control after its brakes failed while navigating a curve at high speed, according to local transport officials.

Padang Panjang Transport Department head Arkes Refagus confirmed the bus veered left upon impact, crushing its side against a residential fence. The driver survived as the right-side cabin remained intact. Of the 25 passengers onboard, fatalities included multiple adults and children; survivors were rushed to Achmad Mochtar and Yarsi hospitals with critical injuries.

Authorities suspect mechanical failure compounded by speeding caused the accident, noting the mountainous terrain’s sharp bends require strict speed limits. ALS has suspended operations for safety inspections. Indonesia records over 3,000 bus-related deaths annually, with poor maintenance and reckless driving cited as leading causes.