Lampung – A Rafflesia bus plunged into a ravine and caught fire in Pekon Rata Agung, Lemong District, Pesisir Barat Regency, Lampung, on Wednesday night (11/12/2024). This tragic incident resulted in three deaths, including the driver, while six other passengers sustained serious and minor injuries.
One of the survivors, Mansur, recounted the chronology of the incident. Initially, he joined as a passenger in Bengkulu after being offered a trip to Bekasi Regency, West Java.
“I boarded with seven other passengers, paying Rp150,000,” said Mansur, when met by reporters while receiving treatment at the Lemong Health Center, Thursday (12/12/2024).
However, the tragedy occurred when the bus was crossing an incline at the scene. The bus couldn’t make it up the hill, then rolled back about ten meters, veering off the asphalt path and into a ravine.
“The incident occurred after the evening prayer, the bus fell into a ravine about 50 meters deep. Fortunately, the bus was stopped by a tree,” he said.
In a panic situation, Mansur and several other passengers tried to save themselves. He managed to escape through the broken window glass despite sustaining injuries.
“I forced myself out despite being injured. After getting onto the road, the bus started to burn and eventually exploded,” he said.
The explosion caused three passengers, including the driver, to die on the spot because they were trapped in the burning bus.
“They couldn’t get out because they were trapped. In the end, they died from being burned,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Head of Lemong Health Center, Rahmat Mathori, mentioned that two deceased victims have been identified, namely the driver and a passenger. One other victim has not yet been identified due to severe burns.
“The characteristics of the unidentified victim are wearing a blue Mitsubishi shirt, being tall and large, and having long hair,” said Rahmat.
He also urged families who have lost a family member with those characteristics to immediately contact the Lemong Health Center, West Coast Regency.
Currently, six survivors are undergoing intensive care at the nearest healthcare facility. The police are still investigating the cause of this fatal accident.
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