INDOPOSCO.ID – A bus operated by PO Cahaya Trans carrying 34 passengers was involved in a single-vehicle accident at the Krapyak toll exit interchange in Semarang, Central Java, early Monday (Dec. 22, 2025), at around 12:30 a.m. local time.
The crash claimed at least 15 lives, while a number of other passengers sustained injuries.
The bus, bearing license plate number B 7201 IV and traveling from Jatiasih in Jakarta to Yogyakarta, was reportedly speeding before losing control. It slammed into a road barrier and overturned at the scene.
Rescue teams from the Semarang Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas), who were on standby as part of the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) special SAR operation at the Kalikangkung joint post, immediately rushed to the location to carry out rescue and evacuation efforts.
Semarang SAR Office head Budiono said all victims were successfully evacuated through coordinated efforts involving a joint SAR team comprising the police, toll road operator Jasa Marga, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), and other related agencies.
“A total of 15 passengers were confirmed dead, while 19 others suffered injuries,” Budiono said.
He noted that the evacuation process was particularly challenging as several victims were trapped inside the overturned bus, with access further hindered by shattered glass scattered throughout the vehicle.
Rescuers had to enter the overturned bus to reach the victims, clear access points, and carefully evacuate them one by one.
“The evacuation was completed at around 4:00 a.m. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but initial indications suggest the bus lost control while traveling at high speed from Jakarta toward Yogyakarta,” he explained.
All victims were subsequently taken to nearby hospitals, including Dr. Kariadi General Hospital, Columbia Asia Hospital, and Dr. Adhyatma MPH Regional Hospital, also known as Tugu Hospital Semarang.
Budiono expressed appreciation for the cooperation of all parties involved, which helped ensure the evacuation ran smoothly, as reported by Antara.
He also urged motorists to prioritize safety on the roads, advising drivers to rest when fatigued and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. (aro)
