JAKARTA, Feb 24 (NNN-ANTARA) – Six people were found dead, and nine others remain missing, after a truck carrying 32 people, including several children, plunged into a river, in Indonesia’s Riau province, a top rescuer said, yesterday.
The fatal accident occurred in a river in Pelalawan Regency, late Saturday, according to Budi Cahyadi, head of the provincial search and rescue office.
“Three of the six casualties were discovered yesterday, while the others were found on Saturday,” he said.
“The death toll stands at six, and nine people are still missing. 17 people survived the incident,” Cahyadi said by phone. All survivors were taken to a health clinic for medical treatment, he added.
The search and rescue operation for the nine missing persons will resume today, he said.
A drowsy driver is suspected to have caused the fatal accident.
The truck was lifted from the river yesterday, but no bodies were found inside the vehicle, he said.– NNN-ANTARA
