Police investigate deadly highway crashes linked to wildfire haze in Lampung
Wildfires have caused widespread disruption, with thick haze reducing visibility across Sumatra, forcing airlines to delay or divert dozens of flights and prompting authorities in several regions to close schools or move classes online to limit exposure.
The Jakarta Post reports that police are investigating a series of deadly highway crashes in Lampung’s Tulang Bawang regency, triggered by wildfire haze. The accidents, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon along the Trans-Sumatra Highway, resulted in two deaths and five injuries, including two with serious injuries. The truck involved in the initial collision attempted to overtake another vehicle, causing a chain reaction involving six other vehicles, primarily trucks and pickups.
Police have stated that thick smoke from a nearby wildfire severely reduced visibility, which may have contributed to the crashes. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and determining whether it was set intentionally or involved any other legal violations. They are also working with firefighters to contain the blaze and are increasing patrols to warn residents against burning land or household rubbish.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
