Police Name Harapan Jaya Bus Driver Suspected Of Deadly Train Accident In Tulungagung

PHOTO VIA BETWEEN

TULUNGAGUNG - The Traffic Unit of the Tulungagung Police, East Java, named the PO Harapan Jaya bus driver, Septianto Dhany as a suspect in the bus accident case with the Dhono Penataran train on Sunday, February 22.

"We have secured the suspect. All evidence and witness statements show that the bus driver is guilty of driving in a lane that should not be allowed to pass by large vehicles (buses)," said Tulungagung Police Chief AKBP Handono Subiakto, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, March 1.

The police decided to determine the suspect after analyzing all available evidence. Starting from the testimony of witnesses, the results of the crime scene, the confession of the bus driver when examined by police investigators as well as the results of the group discussion forum with the Dishub, Police Korlantas and PT KAI.

The analysis was carried out directly by the Korlantas Polri team using the TAA (traffic accident analysis) tool, which resulted in a three-dimensional model of the accident.

Police are now investigating the mental condition of the bus driver. "We are investigating the family (of the suspect), whether they have been sick or have family problems," he said.

According to the Head of Traffic at the Tulungagung Police AKP Muhammad Bayu Agustyan, the bus driver admitted his guilt for driving on a road that was prohibited for large vehicles.

The driver admitted that at the time of the incident he was only concentrating on a narrow lane when crossing a railroad crossing without a gate in Ketanon Village, Kedungwaru District. Only a few meters from the departure point of the bus that takes the tour group to Taman Safari 5 Malang.

"The suspect said that at the time of the incident he did not see a train coming from the south because he was focusing on the narrow road at the level crossing in front of him," said Agustyan.

The crossing path at the location is indeed quite narrow for large vehicles such as buses to pass because on the right and left there are iron stakes.

"At that time, passengers had just entered, many were chatting, so it was crowded and they didn't hear the horns of the incoming train," he explained.

The suspect is charged with Article 310 paragraph 4 of Law No. 22 of 2009 concerning Road Transport Traffic, with a threat of six (6) years in prison.