At least 16 people were killed and 18 others injured when a passenger bus crashed on Indonesia’s main island of Java just after midnight on Monday, officials said, in one of the deadliest road accidents in recent months.

The inter-province bus, carrying 34 passengers, was traveling from Jakarta to the ancient royal city of Yogyakarta when it lost control while entering a curved exit ramp.

According to Budiono, head of Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, the bus struck a concrete barrier on the Krapyak toll road before rolling onto its side in Semarang, located in Central Java.

“The forceful impact threw several passengers and left them trapped against the bus body,” Budiono said, describing the severity of the crash.

The accident occurred shortly after midnight, and emergency responders arrived around 40 minutes later, launching rescue and recovery operations at the scene.

Victims die at scene and in hospital

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of six passengers who died at the crash site. Another 10 victims later died while being transported to hospitals or during treatment, Budiono said.

A total of 18 injured passengers were taken to two nearby hospitals, including five in critical condition and 13 in serious condition.

Television footage showed the yellow bus lying on its side, surrounded by personnel from Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, police officers, and passersby.

Ambulances were seen rushing victims and the deceased away from the crash site as emergency crews worked through the night.

Bus reportedly speeding before crash

Witnesses told authorities that the bus was traveling at high speed before the driver lost control, according to Central Java Police Chief Ribut Hari Wibowo.

Speaking at Dr. Karyadi General Hospital, where victims’ bodies were being identified, Wibowo said the driver was a substitute driver.

Driver injured, investigation underway

The substitute driver sustained serious injuries but was able to communicate while receiving medical treatment, police said.

“We are still investigating the cause of the crash and questioning the injured substitute driver,” Wibowo said, adding that the driver will be tested for prohibited substances, including drugs.

The crash has once again highlighted concerns about road safety on Indonesia’s busy highways, particularly involving long-distance buses traveling overnight.

Authorities said further findings will be released once the investigation is complete.