13 killed, dozens injured in Indonesia bus crash

Jakarta: At least 13 people were killed while 34 others sustained serious injuries after a tour bus carrying factory workers to a beach holiday crashed on Indonesia's Java Island.  

According to preliminary details, the ill-fated bus was headed from Sukoharjo in Central Java to a family gathering in neighboring Yogyakarta province— carrying 47 passengers.  

The accident occurred after the driver lost control going downhill—destroying the front of the vehicle and badly damaging its right side.

Deadly traffic accidents are common in the archipelago nation, where vehicles are often old and poorly maintained and road rules are routinely ignored. 

"Thirteen people died. Some died on the scene and others died while being treated in the hospital, while 34 others were injured," said official, adding the injured had been taken to three nearby hospitals. 

The driver was among those who died when the bus tipped over and slammed into the side of the road.

According to the police chief, several passengers sustained head injuries and three toddlers were also hurt.

Shortly before the crash, passengers had been asked to temporarily disembark, as the bus was having difficulty going uphill, said authorities.

In March 2021, a bus carrying dozens of pilgrims plunged into a deep ravine in Sumedang, West Java province, killing 29 people.