A Toyota Hiace carrying 13 Chinese tourists crashed on the Singaraja–Denpasar route on Friday at around 04.30 WITA, killing five passengers. The accident occurred at Kilometer 7.7 in Padangbulia, Sukasada, Buleleng, when the vehicle struck a roadside barrier, hit a tree, and was thrown forward due to the impact.
Police reported that the minibus, driven by Arif Al Akbar (39), was traveling from the south toward Singaraja. The group was on an early-morning tour and had departed before dawn.
“Hiace went out of the asphalt path, entered the resident’s garden, then hit a tree until it bounced,” said Yohana.
Police Describe Sequence of Events
Kasi Humas Polres Buleleng, Iptu Yohana Rosalin Diaz, stated that the vehicle suddenly became uncontrollable while navigating a downhill, winding section of the road. The minibus left the marked lane and entered a garden area before colliding with a tree.
Five passengers were declared dead at RSUD Buleleng. They were identified as Xu Huangyuan (66), Xu Mingbiao (61), Xu Yuexiang (52), Zhong Yuemei (63), and Xu Huijuan (61).
Survivors Treated at Singaraja Hospital
Eight other passengers survived the crash but sustained varying degrees of injury. They are currently receiving intensive care at KDH Singaraja Hospital. The injured include Xu Yuehao (62), Xu Lihua (62), Xu Shaoling (62), Yang Junle (35), Deng Zhimian (66), Xu Jianchao (74), Chen Jiao (36), and a five-year-old child, Yang Chuxuan.
In contrast, the driver suffered only minor abrasions to his right leg and did not require hospital treatment. Preliminary police assessments suggest that the driver’s inattention on the descending, winding road contributed to the crash. Investigators are examining whether technical issues with the vehicle or driver negligence played a role.
Tour Group Was En Route to Lovina
Police stated that the group had departed from Desa Canggu in North Kuta, Badung, shortly before dawn. They were heading to Lovina Beach in Kalibukbuk, Buleleng, where they planned to watch the sunrise dolphin attraction, a popular activity in the region.
“We are also still checking again whether it is true that the driver is drowsy or there are other vehicle conditions that caused the accident,” explained Bachtiar
Information gathered by investigators indicates that the group had stopped briefly at a minimarket in the Bedugul area before resuming the trip toward Lovina. Officers noted the possibility that the driver may have been fatigued due to the early-morning departure, though this has not been confirmed.
“They want to go to Lovina to see dolphins,” said Head of the Buleleng Police AKP Bachtiar Arifin, Friday (14/11/2025).
Ongoing Investigation and Diplomatic Coordination
Kasat Lantas Polres Buleleng, AKP Bachtiar Arifin, confirmed that the police have communicated with the Chinese Consulate in Bali regarding the fatalities and injured passengers. The Traffic Unit is continuing an on-site investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. This includes assessing road conditions, vehicle condition, and the driver’s actions leading up to the crash.
“We have communicated with the Chinese consulate regarding the incident involving its citizens in Buleleng. They are waiting for official data from us to be submitted to their respective families,” said Bachtiar
Photographs circulating from the scene show that the minibus sustained extensive damage. Authorities are expected to release additional updates once the technical and forensic examinations are completed.
Current Status
Police are continuing to analyze evidence from the crash site and statements from survivors. Further findings on contributing factors and official conclusions will be announced following the completion of the investigation.
“We have also asked for help from related parties, both the transportation department and other parties to help check the vehicle. Are there obstacles in the vehicle or are there obstacles in the driver himself,” explained Bachtiar.
