Puncak, Indonesia—The tourist bus veered off the narrow mountain pass shortly after 2:00 p.m. today. It rolled several times before coming to a rest against a concrete embankment.
Screams filled the air as bystanders rushed to the crumpled frame of the vehicle. Heavy fog had reduced visibility to near zero when the driver lost control of the steering mechanism.
Police and emergency workers arrived at the scene within thirty minutes to find the bus on its side. Three passengers were confirmed dead at the location by medical staff.
Rescue crews used hydraulic cutters to pull the remaining survivors from the twisted metal wreckage. At least a dozen people sustained injuries ranging from fractures to deep lacerations.
The driver is currently being held for questioning at the local police station. Authorities suspect that brake failure, combined with the slick road surface, caused the bus to slide out of its lane.
Traffic in the Puncak area has come to a standstill as emergency vehicles occupy both sides of the road. Travelers are being diverted through secondary routes while heavy cranes work to upright the bus.
Families of the victims have begun arriving at the nearby regional hospital. Officials are working to identify the deceased and notify the next of kin before releasing names.
The bus company is under investigation for its maintenance records and adherence to safety protocols. Investigators are scouring the site for skid marks and other evidence left on the asphalt.
Emergency teams continue to clear debris as the sun begins to set over the mountain range. The road will remain closed to all private traffic until the site is fully cleared.
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