A tragic accident unfolded on Jalan Irigasi Bendasari, Kondangjaya Village, East Karawang District, Karawang Regency, West Java, on Sunday night, February 15. A container truck, laden with cooking oil, overturned while navigating a narrow, steep descent, crushing a sedan carrying a family. The devastating incident claimed three lives and left several others injured.
Concerns about road conditions and traffic management immediately surfaced following testimonies from witnesses and the victims’ family. In the wake of this tragedy, local government officials have initiated plans for the construction of a dedicated vehicle lane.
Here’s a summary of the harrowing event and its aftermath:
Container Truck Overturns in Karawang, Crushing Sedan: Three Confirmed Dead at Scene
The container truck, traversing Jalan Irigasi Bendasari, lost control and overturned on a tight downhill stretch, ultimately falling onto a Toyota Corolla “Greco” sedan. This catastrophic impact resulted in the deaths of three out of the six occupants in the sedan.
“Three people died, and three others sustained minor injuries,” Sudiryanto confirmed when contacted on Monday, February 16.
The incident began when the truck driver attempted to access a road not intended for heavy vehicles. Due to the narrow and steep terrain, the container truck became uncontrollable, leading to the fatal overturn.
“There was a local traffic guide [‘pak ogah’] directing him, even though this road is a regency road not designated for container trucks. The overturning then occurred because the road was too narrow, insufficient for a large vehicle,” Sudiryanto further explained.
Fatal Karawang Container Accident: “Pak Ogah” Claims Driver Insisted Despite Warnings
Rio, a local known as a “pak ogah,” recounted that the truck driver had been warned against traversing the narrow descent, even after conducting a prior survey. However, the driver reportedly insisted on proceeding.
“From 3 PM, the driver had already surveyed this route, and he was confident, even though we told him it wouldn’t be possible. He entered via Lamaran Johar,” Rio stated.
Residents clarified that the road is an alternative route frequently used by motorcycles or light vehicles, but it is entirely unsuitable for large vehicles like container trucks.
“Kagok geus asup a, dipundurken deui teh hese (It’s already too late, it’s hard to back up),” Rio explained, describing the driver’s predicament. “He had no choice but to go forward, he was told to take the right, but the driver kept going left.”
“Before it overturned, it hit a Colt Diesel, then immediately crashed into the road barrier, and then overturned. As soon as it happened, I immediately reported it to the Police Resort,” he added.
Sifa’s Heartbreaking Account of Family’s Tragic End in Karawang Container Accident
Sifaul Iiiati Nur Alawiyah (19), one of the survivors, tearfully recounted the tragic moments that claimed the lives of her father, mother, and younger sibling. The container truck abruptly overturned, crushing their family car as they returned home after a shared meal.
“My father, he couldn’t avoid it anymore; we were in a panic. We were screaming there. Mom! Mom!” Sifa cried, struggling to hold back her tears.
Sifa, desperate to escape from the vehicle, had to push through broken glass because the door was bent and couldn’t be opened from the inside. “I tried to pull it, but it wouldn’t open. The door couldn’t be opened anymore,” she whispered.
Karawang Regent Pledges Special Motorcycle Road Following Fatal Container Accident
In response to the devastating tragedy, Karawang Regent Aep Syaepuloh announced the permanent closure of the downhill road access where the accident occurred. He also pledged to construct a dedicated alternative road for two-wheeled vehicles to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“God willing, we will complete this work this year. So, our hope is that the community will also understand. If this road is closed, please don’t question why. Going a little out of the way is not an issue. The important thing is everyone’s safety,” Aep emphasized.
The Regent also promised to assist Sifa, the survivor and now the backbone of her affected family, by helping her secure employment. “I will try to fulfill her wish to get a job. God willing, we will provide her with a better job. At least, there will be support for the family,” he stated.
Karawang Transportation Agency to Permanently Close Access After Fatal Truck Overturn
The Karawang Transportation Agency (Dishub) also confirmed its plan to permanently close the downhill road access from Jalan Baru following the fatal accident. This measure will be implemented in cooperation with the police to prevent recurrence.
“The road access from Jalan Baru downwards and from below to Jalan Baru will be permanently closed, in accordance with the directive from the Karawang Police Traffic Unit,” stated Muhana, Head of the Karawang Transportation Agency, on Monday, February 16.
This closure aims to prohibit large vehicles from using a route that is both unsuitable for their size and poses a high risk to public safety. “For the container truck, it is still in the process of unloading its cargo before evacuation can proceed,” he clarified.