"It was temporarily closed to prevent more severe (traffic) congestion around the accident scene," Head of the Traffic Accident Unit of Bekasi Police Adjunct Commissioner Farida explained in Bekasi.
The accident caused severe congestion on the road section, which even extended to the exit of the Jatikarya Toll Gate toward Cibubur.
In addition to handling traffic, she said her unit was also informing the families of the victims.
"We are still handling the incident scene while informing the victim's families," Farida stated.
The bodies of victims who died in the accident were taken to Kramat Jati Police Hospital, while those who sustained injuries were taken to Permata Hospital at Cibubur, Bekasi City.
“(The injured victims have been taken) to Permata Hospital at Cibubur considering the location is not far from the accident scene," she added.
A joint team of officers from the Jakarta Police and Regional Police of Bekasi City also reconstructed the accident.
It was reported that the accident allegedly started when a fuel tanker truck owned by state gas and oil firm PT Pertamina developed a brake issue.
"Because the brake was broken, the driver (of the truck) finally took the initiative to turn the steering wheel to the left," a non-commissioned officer in charge of village supervision (Babinsa), second sergeant Triyatno, said.
The tanker truck ended up hitting and running over dozens of vehicles nearby, killing several motorists, Triyatno explained.
As of Monday afternoon, the accident had caused a long traffic jam. "The problem is now being handled by Jatisampurna Police," he added.
Related news: West Java: 3 die as bus plunges into ravine
Related news: Bus overturns in East Java, 19 injured
Translator: Pradita S, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
