Two killed in Xpander-bus crash on Central Java toll road

  Two people died after a Mitsubishi Xpander collided with a bus on the Batang-Semarang toll road at KM 368B on Thursday, police said.

Batang Traffic Police Chief Adjunct Commissioner Eka Hendra Ardiansyah said the crash occurred amid heavy traffic under clear weather conditions.

“The accident happened at KM 368, lane B, one-way from Batang to Semarang, in Kedawung Village, Banyuputih Subdistrict,” he said.

Police said the Xpander was traveling eastbound in the right lane on a straight, well-maintained concrete road, but the driver was suspected of losing concentration.

“Upon reaching the scene, the driver likely became drowsy and struck the rear of a bus stopped due to engine trouble,” he said.

The collision killed two people and injured two others, authorities said.

The fatalities were the Xpander driver, Andi Endarto, 48, from Bekasi, who suffered chest injuries, and passenger Athaya Riski Wistarajaya, 16, who sustained severe head trauma.

Two other victims were identified as Dian Arianta Widya, 48, who suffered a closed fracture in the right leg, and Ariya Satya Risky, 13, with minor head injuries.

Both injured victims are receiving treatment at RSI Kendal hospital, police said.

Authorities urged motorists, especially during the Eid homecoming period, to remain focused and ensure they are physically fit before driving.

“If you feel tired or drowsy, stop and rest at the nearest rest area. Safety must be the top priority,” he said.

Separately, toll operator Astra Tol Cipali reported about 41,000 vehicles passed along the Cipali toll road within eight hours on Thursday morning, two days before Eid.

Corporate communications head Ardam Rafif Trisilo said traffic under a one-way scheme remained steady but busy, with slowdowns at several points.

Data from midnight to 8 a.m. showed around 41,000 vehicles traveling toward Cirebon via the former Cikopo toll gate.

Traffic volume rose one percent from the previous day, averaging about 5,200 vehicles per hour.

Officials said slowdowns were mainly caused by an increasing number of vehicles stopping on the shoulder.

Astra Tol Cipali personnel and police continued handling stalled vehicles on the ground.

Drivers were also directed not to rest on the shoulder due to safety risks.

“We strongly advise motorists to use the nearest toll exit if rest areas are full,” he said.

The operator said exiting the toll road to rest would not incur extra charges under the closed toll system based on distance traveled.

Motorists were urged to plan trips carefully, ensure good physical condition, and maintain vehicle readiness.