Tourist Bus Reverses and Falls Into Ditch on Uphill Road in Batang

A tourist bus with license plate A 7638 KC fell into a roadside ditch after reversing on an uphill stretch in Bandung Village, Pecalungan District, Batang Regency, Central Java, on Tuesday afternoon (June 17, 2025). The incident occurred after the bus, carrying a group of passengers returning from a wedding event, had to stop due to an oncoming truck. While no fatalities were reported, several passengers sustained minor injuries and were rushed to Subah Health Clinic.

According to Batang Police Traffic Chief, AKP Ahmad Zainurrozaq, the accident occurred around 4:35 PM local time. The bus was on its way back to Banten after attending a family gathering in Pretek, Pecalungan District. As it climbed the uphill road, the bus encountered a truck coming from the opposite direction. Due to the narrow road, the bus stopped—but then started rolling backward.

"The bus halted due to the oncoming truck, but then it unexpectedly rolled back and fell into the ditch beside the road," said Ahmad. The driver, identified as Ipan S (33) from Pandeglang, Banten, was unharmed and reportedly acted calmly during the emergency. His composure likely helped prevent the incident from becoming more severe.

Traffic police quickly responded to the report, arriving at the scene to secure the area and coordinate passenger evacuation. The injured were taken to Subah Health Clinic for medical treatment, and police are continuing to record details from all passengers to ensure accurate documentation.

Material damage from the incident is estimated at around IDR 15 million, mainly due to damage to the bus and minor impacts on public infrastructure near the ditch. While the financial loss is relatively minor, this incident highlights the ongoing risk of navigating unfamiliar terrain without adequate precautions.

Police reminded drivers, especially those operating heavy vehicles like buses or trucks, to study their route beforehand and ensure that their vehicles are in good technical condition. Brake systems, especially, must be fully functional when traversing hilly or mountainous areas to avoid accidents like this one.

Local residents who witnessed the accident assisted in rescuing the passengers. They noted that the road where the incident occurred is notoriously difficult for large vehicles to navigate, especially when encountering oncoming traffic on steep inclines. They also urged local authorities to consider installing more warning signs and road barriers in known danger zones.

Batang police continue to investigate the incident, interviewing witnesses including the driver and passengers. They are also working to identify the truck that was involved in the encounter, as its actions may have contributed to the chain of events leading to the accident.