JAKARTA: A devastating accident in the Mukomuko regency of Bengkulu province, Indonesia, has claimed the lives of seven individuals, with an infant surviving but sustaining injuries. The accident occurred when a minibus carrying eight members of the same family was struck by a truck transporting heavy machinery, according to local traffic police officer Rully Zuldh Fermana.

On Thursday evening at approximately 6 p.m. local time, tragedy struck as the minibus was severely hit from behind by the truck, resulting in the loss of seven lives and leaving an infant wounded. The victims, all belonging to the same family, were tragically caught in the aftermath of the collision.

Preliminary reports suggest that the fatal accident transpired when the truck, en route from Mukomuko to the provincial capital of Bengkulu, experienced a power failure while navigating a hilly road. This loss of power caused the truck to collide with the minibus, which was carrying the eight family members.

While investigations are still ongoing, Fermana confirmed that the victims have been evacuated from the scene and will soon be reunited with their grieving relatives. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by deadly road accidents in Indonesia, which are often attributed to factors such as overloading, poor road conditions, and reckless driving.