A multiple-vehicle collision that occurred in the East Kalimantan capital of Balikpapan killed at least five people this morning.
A horrifying video is widely circulating online showing CCTV footage of the traffic accident, which took place on a descending road at the city’s Muara Rapak intersection. A large truck is seen speeding towards cars and motorcycles that stopped for the red light, before colliding into them.
The accident occurred at around 6:15am. East Kalimantan Police’s Traffic Directorate Chief Sony Irawan said that authorities are still looking for possible additional fatalities while tallying the number of vehicles damaged by the impact. At the time of writing, police reported five people were killed and four were heavily injured.
Sony said that based on the CCTV footage, it was likely that the truck experienced brake failure.
East Kalimantan Police spokesman Yusuf Sutejo said that they have apprehended the truck driver, identified as 47-year-old MA, who is now under police custody at the Balikpapan City Police HQ. Yusuf said that the truck was carrying 20 tons of water purifying lime that was being transported to West Balikpapan.
MA told the police that he tried to slow down as he neared the intersection by shifting down a gear, but failed to stop due to the brake failure. MA is still undergoing questioning and no charges have been filed as of this article’s publication.