A tragic accident unfolded early Monday morning, September 30, 2024, along the Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway, leaving one person dead and another injured. The driver, Holisin (32) from Banyuwangi, East Java, died instantly after his pickup truck veered off the road and slammed into a tree. The incident occurred in Banjar Dinas Megati Kelod, Desa Megati, Selemadeg Timur, Tabanan, and is believed to have been caused by driver fatigue.
According to initial reports, Holisin likely fell asleep behind the wheel, leading to the fatal crash. His companion, identified as Muhammad Rosidi, survived the accident but suffered injuries and was rushed to Tabanan Hospital for immediate treatment.
Driver Fatigue Blamed for Deadly Accident
Selemadeg Timur Police Chief, AKP I Nyoman Artadana, S.H., M.H., confirmed that the accident involved an L300 pickup truck, license plate DK 8893 EB, which was traveling from the Gilimanuk area toward Denpasar. The truck was loaded with palm leaves when it veered out of control and crashed into a tree located on the side of the road.
“The driver likely fell asleep while driving, which caused the truck to drift off the road and collide with a large tree,” Artadana explained. The incident occurred on a straight and flat stretch of road at around 2:15 AM, a time when driver fatigue is often a major concern.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found the driver trapped inside the vehicle, his body pinned by the crushed metal. Unfortunately, it was too late to save him. After an inspection, the police confirmed that Holisin had died at the scene.
Passenger Survives and Taken to Hospital
Despite the severity of the crash, the driver’s passenger, Muhammad Rosidi, managed to survive the impact. Sitting beside the driver at the time of the crash, Rosidi was extracted from the wreckage and taken to the Tabanan General Hospital for medical treatment.
“Thankfully, the passenger was rescued and immediately transported to the hospital. He is being treated for his injuries,” said Artadana.
Rescue and Evacuation Efforts
The recovery of the deceased driver required the assistance of a tow truck. Emergency services worked carefully to extract Holisin’s body from the wrecked pickup. His remains were then transported by ambulance to the Tabanan General Hospital mortuary.
“The driver’s body was severely trapped in the wreckage, but with the help of a tow truck, we were able to retrieve it and ensure it was transported to the hospital’s morgue,” added Artadana.
Final Thoughts
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by drowsy driving, particularly on long stretches of road during the early hours of the morning. Authorities have issued a warning to drivers, urging them to remain vigilant and well-rested while driving, especially when covering long distances.
“Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous, and this tragic accident highlights the importance of staying alert on the road,” said Artadana. “We urge all drivers to take regular breaks, ensure they are well-rested before starting their journeys, and pull over if they begin to feel tired while driving.”
With this fatal accident, police are continuing their investigation to determine whether other factors may have contributed to the crash. However, drowsiness remains the primary suspected cause.
This unfortunate event highlights the need for greater awareness about driver safety and fatigue on Bali’s roads, especially for long-distance travel between cities.
