JAKARTA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The number of casualties rose to 15 after a truck carrying 32 people veered into a river in Indonesia's western Riau province, a top rescuer said on Monday.

According to Budi Cahyadi, head of the provincial search and rescue office, the accident occurred on Saturday in Pelalawan Regency when a drowsy driver lost control of the vehicle and plunged into the Segati river.

"All the victims of the accident were recovered today. The total number of casualties from the accident has reached 15," Cahyadi told Xinhua by phone.

"Using rubber boats, we stirred the water to accelerate the floating process of the bodies. All the bodies were found after they surfaced," he said, confirming that 17 people survived the accident.

He added that the truck was transporting workers and their family members, including several children, from a company to a market to purchase goods when the tragedy occurred. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)