Dozens of People Injured in Odong-odong Accident, Rules Need to Be Tightened

The accident started when twoodong-odongwith police numbers B 1519 WT and B 1022 TV were driving on the Pantura road, precisely in Sembung Village, Banyuputih District. Both of them drove sequentially in the right lane.

Until finally, when Odong-odong B 1022 TV was turning around, a box truck with plate number T 8768 AD appeared from the same direction. The truck then crashed into the back of the odong-odongit.

Like a carom, the B 1022 TV bumper car then collided with the B 1519 WT bumper car in front of it. All vehicles involved in the collision were damaged in various parts.

Also read: Odong-odong is a mainstay for residents even though it is dangerous

"In that incident, no victims died. "However, 13 people had to be rushed to a number of hospitals because they suffered injuries," said Head of Public Relations of the Regional Police Central Java Senior Commissioner Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto when contacted on Friday.

Of the 13 individuals, nine were taken to Limpung Regional General Hospital, three to Muhammadiyah Kendal Islamic Hospital, and one to Qolbu Insan Mulia Batang Hospital. They were truck drivers, passengers, and odong-odong drivers.

According to the Head of the Traffic Police Unit of Batang Police Resort, Adjunct Commissioner Wigiyadi, the truck's brakes were suspected to fail. The downhill road contour also contributed to the truck's uncontrollable speed.

"That's just a preliminary estimate. We will still explore the causes further. "Meanwhile, the truck driver andodong-odong driver cannot be examined because they are still under treatment," said Wigiyadi.

Transportation observer from Soegijapranata Catholic University in Semarang, Djoko Setijowarno, is concerned about the incident. According to him, the use of odong-odong as a means of transportation is prohibited according to traffic rules.

The reason is that usingodong-odong endangers passengers and other road users. Unfortunately, in a number of areas in Central Java, the practice of odong-odong as mass transportation is still common.

"The police are now obliged to crack down on the roaming street vendors and their carts in public areas. Close down the workshops that produce them. If they continue to produce them, impose strict sanctions," said Djoko.

Wigiyadi stated that their team has conducted numerous operations and campaigns regarding the prohibition of using odong-odong on public roads or for public transportation. However, these efforts have not been successful in completely stopping the practice.

"In fact, we have already made efforts to prevent and take action against those odong-odong vehicles. After this, we will follow up on this case, both with the owner and the driver," said Wigiyadi.

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