A tragic bus crash in Padang, West Sumatra, on May 2, 2025, has claimed 12 lives, including two children, and left 23 others injured. The bus, en route from Medan to Jakarta, lost control on a steep descent after its brakes reportedly failed, resulting in the vehicle overturning near a terminal in Padang city.
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Brake Failure Blamed for Deadly Padang Bus Crash
According to Reza Chairul Akbar Sidiq, Director of West Sumatra Traffic Police, the bus was descending a hilly road when the driver lost control due to a brake malfunction. Eyewitnesses said the driver tried desperately to regain control before the vehicle flipped onto its side.
Victims Trapped Under Wreckage: Emergency Teams Respond
Of the 34 passengers on board, 12 died, and 23 were injured, with 13 in serious condition. Many of the victims were trapped beneath the overturned bus. Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, police, and locals responded swiftly to rescue passengers and transport the injured to two nearby hospitals for treatment and identification.
Graphic Footage Shows Aftermath of the Crash
Local TV footage showed the wrecked bus surrounded by emergency personnel and ambulances. The driver, now in critical condition, was among the injured. The accident site served as a somber reminder of the persistent safety challenges faced on Indonesia’s roads.
Pattern of Deadly Bus Crashes in Indonesia
This is not the first time Indonesia has witnessed a tragic bus accident:
- In 2024, a bus carrying students and teachers crashed in Depok, killing 11 students after brake failure.
- In 2023, a tourist bus in East Java collided with a billboard, leaving 14 dead, due to driver fatigue.
These incidents reflect broader concerns over vehicle maintenance, driver training, and road conditions.
Mounting Pressure for Transport Safety Reform
The Padang crash has reignited national calls for reform in Indonesia’s transportation sector. Authorities are investigating the bus’s mechanical condition, especially its braking system, and assessing the overall roadworthiness of the vehicle.
Officials are demanding:
- Regular vehicle inspections
- Strict regulation enforcement
- Improved driver education
- Targeted infrastructure upgrades
Indonesia’s Terrain Adds to Road Safety Challenges
Regions like Padang feature steep hills and winding roads, making them particularly dangerous for large vehicles. These natural conditions require well-maintained vehicles and highly skilled drivers. Without both, even minor malfunctions can result in disaster.
Inconsistent Enforcement Undermines Safety Efforts
Though the Indonesian government has launched various initiatives to improve road safety, including updating transportation regulations, inconsistent enforcement across provinces weakens their impact. Transportation officials now urge a stronger nationwide approach to safety inspections and regulation compliance.
Community in Mourning: Nation Grieves Lives Lost
The accident has devastated the local Padang community, as families mourn the loss of loved ones—including young children. Public grief has united residents and local leaders, who are offering condolences, support, and aid to the victims’ families.
Government Promises Investigation and Support
In response, government officials have vowed a transparent and thorough investigation. They also pledged emotional and financial support for the victims’ families and committed to addressing safety issues more aggressively moving forward.
Conclusion: A Call for Change to Prevent Future Tragedies
The Padang bus crash is a heart-wrenching reminder of the urgent need for road safety reform in Indonesia. It highlights recurring failures in vehicle maintenance, infrastructure oversight, and driver preparedness—failures that continue to cost lives.
If Indonesia is to avoid repeating such tragedies, the government must:
- Strengthen public transportation regulations
- Enforce strict safety checks
- Invest in safer roads, especially in mountainous areas
- Train drivers to handle hazardous terrains
Twelve lives have been lost in Padang. Let this not be another statistic—but a turning point toward lasting change.