Schoolyard Tragedy: Driver Claims Pedal Error in Jakarta School Collision

Jakarta – A chaotic scene unfolded at SDN Kalibaru 01 Pagi in North Jakarta on Thursday morning when a vehicle delivering free school meals careened into the school grounds, injuring twenty students and one teacher. Authorities are investigating the incident, with the driver claiming a misapplication of the pedals led to the collision.

According to initial reports from the Cilincing Police, the driver, identified only as AI, was attempting to navigate an uphill approach to the school when the incident occurred. “The driver stated he intended to brake, fearing a rollback, but inadvertently pressed the accelerator instead,” explained Police Chief Kompol Bobi Subasri. “This is a preliminary statement, and a thorough investigation is underway.”

The vehicle, a GranMax, initially struck a school fence before colliding with students gathered in the schoolyard around 7:39 AM local time. The impact sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Twenty Injured, Five Hospitalized

Emergency services transported five of the injured students to RS Koja for treatment. Another fourteen were taken to RSUD Cilincing, and one student received care at a local health center. While the extent of the injuries varies, officials have confirmed that none are life-threatening.

The incident highlights the growing concern over road safety near schools, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Jakarta. Indonesia has seen a steady increase in traffic accidents in recent years, with the National Police reporting over 138,000 accidents in 2023, resulting in more than 28,000 fatalities. This underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations around educational institutions.

The “Makan Bergizi Gratis” (Free Nutritious Meal) program, intended to improve student health and attendance, has been a key initiative of the current administration. The program’s rollout has faced logistical challenges, and this incident raises questions about the safety protocols in place for delivery vehicles.

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See also: Condition of the MBG Vehicle After Colliding with Students at Cilincing

Police are continuing to examine the vehicle and interview both the driver and a passenger, MRR, to determine the precise cause of the accident. Olah Tempat Kejadian Perkara (TKP), or crime scene investigation, is ongoing.

“We are meticulously gathering evidence to understand exactly what happened,” stated Kompol Subasri. “The safety of our children is paramount, and we will ensure a full and transparent investigation.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of school children and the critical importance of responsible driving practices. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.