Speedboat Accident On Temangga River, Kaltara, Police Investigate Alleged Criminal Elements

Illustration of speedboats hitting the waves hard. (Peter Fogden-Unsplash)

Bulungan Police Investigators stated that they carried out an investigation into the speedboat Iqzza Express accident in the waters of the Temangga River, Tanjung Palas Tengah District, Bulungan Regency, Kalimantan Uara (Kaltara).

"Currently, we are still investigating two motorbikes and the owner of the speedboat," said PS Head of Public Relations of the Bulungan Police, Ipda Magdalena Lawai, in Tanjung Selor, Friday, February 14, which was confiscated by Antara.

He said the police were also waiting for the results of the post-mortem of the victims from the Tanjung Selor Hospital.

Lena explained that investigators will conduct a case title to determine whether there is a criminal element in this accident. The status of the two motorists is currently still a witness.

"For the time being, we have not been able to conclude whether the cause of the accident, whether due to overload or other factors, is still under investigation," he said.

Based on witness testimony, the speedboat was carrying about 50 passengers at the time of the incident. However, the police have not been able to confirm whether this number exceeds the capacity they should have.

"We have not obtained official manifest data, but from witness statements, the number of passengers is around 50," said Lena.

It is suspected that the accident occurred because the speedboat hit the wood overturned. However, the police will still ask for information from expert witnesses to determine the cause.

To date, six victims who died have been found and handed over to their families. One passenger, Andi Badina (50), is still being searched.

"The joint SAR team will continue to try to find the missing victims," he said.

This accident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in water transportation. The police urge the public to always be careful and ensure operations according to safety rules when using water transportation.

To note, this accident occurred on Monday (10/2) when most of the groups were residents of Berau, East Kalimantan, returned from a family event in Tias Village, Tanjung Palas Tengah, Bulungan Regency, Kaltara.

They use two speedboats to go to Tanjung Selor, then will continue their road trip to Berau.

One of the speedboats had an accident. It is suspected that the speedboat hit a wood in the river, causing it to roll over and over so that it threw all passengers into the water.

As many as 25 people survived this accident, and some of them have been returned to Berau Regency, East Kalimantan.