North Sumatra Transportation Agency Takes Quick Action After Deadly Accident At The Turn Of Salak

Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Transportation Agency, Agustinus Panjaitan (left third), paid attention to the installation of package strips at the Salak bend, Pamah Semelir Hamlet, Telagah Village, Langkat, North Sumatra. (ANTARA/HO-Dishub North Sumatra)

JAKARTA - An accident occurred in the area of the Salak bend, Pamah Semelir Hamlet, Telagah Village, Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency.

A Toyota Kijang Super car with police number BK 1470 FJ carrying a family plunged into a ravine on Monday night, April 7, 2024, leaving three people dead and seven others injured.

Responding to the incident, the North Sumatra Provincial Transportation Service together with the Langkat Regency Transportation Agency and the Binjai Police immediately took quick steps by installing road barriers at the scene.

"As an initial effort, we have also installed crowds strips or shock markings in the Salak corner area," said Head of the North Sumatra Province Transportation Service, Agustinus Panjaitan, in Medan, on Sunday.

According to him, the installation of safety facilities aims to prevent similar incidents from happening again. The Salak Turn is known to be prone to declining road conditions and a sharp turn.

Prior to the installation of road barriers, the Transportation Agency first strengthened the sides of the ravine by placing tires of used trucks combined with steel chains. This is done so that road barriers are stronger to withstand collisions in the event of an accident.

Rumbles strip itself is placed a few meters before the bend to signal early for drivers to slow down the speed of the vehicle. In addition, warning signs regarding derivatives and sharp bends have also been installed as an anticipatory measure.

"With this combination of various safety equipment, we hope that the potential accidents in the area can be suppressed," Agustinus explained.

Furthermore, the Transportation Agency is also planning to install a guardrail at several other vulnerable points along the route.

Agustinus also appealed to the participation of local residents, especially the head of the Pamah Semelir hamlet, to participate in maintaining the facilities that have been installed so that their functions remain optimal.