16 Killed in bus–fuel tanker collision in Indonesia after tyre burst triggers massive fire

(Photo credits: AP News)
At least 16 people were killed and four others injured after a passenger bus collided with a fuel tanker on Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Wednesday, officials said.

According to disaster management authorities, 14 victims were bus passengers, while two were from the tanker. The accident occurred in North Musi Rawas Regency and led to a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles.

Officials said preliminary findings indicate that a tyre burst on the bus caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the collision. The impact triggered a blaze as the tanker, which was carrying diesel, caught fire.

Four injured persons were rushed to hospital, with three reported to have suffered serious burn injuries.

Authorities said emergency teams responded quickly, but the intensity of the fire made rescue operations challenging.

Road accidents remain a recurring concern in Indonesia, where ageing transport infrastructure and poor maintenance are often cited as contributing factors.

The incident comes weeks after another major accident in the country, where a train collision in West Java left multiple casualties, highlighting ongoing safety issues in the transport sector.

Investigations into the latest crash are underway.