Traffic Accident in Trans-Kalimantan, Wants to Help Instead Becomes a Victim

HF died after helping accident victims on Trans-Kalimantan. He was hit by two cars in a poorly lit area.

DOKUMENTASI POLRESTA PALANGKA RAYA

Police officers from the Palangka Raya Regional Police took the body of HF to the nearest health center before returning it to the family, on Sunday (28/4/2024) night. HF, who wanted to help a single accident, instead became a victim of the accident after being hit twice.

With the intention of wanting to help, HF (40) instead became a victim. HF died after trying to help a motorbike accident victim. He was hit by two cars passing on the Trans-Kalimantan Road, Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan. Minimal street lighting is one of the causes.

On Saturday night (28/4/2024), HF was eager to return home to Petuk Katimpun, Jekan Raya District, Palangka Raya City. His day had been exhausting after working all day in the garden. He briefly stopped by his relative's house and realized that it was already very late.

That night, because he didn't bring his motorcycle, he walked. His relative's house was not far, about 1 kilometer from his own residence. He walked in the middle of darkness, the area near the public cemetery was indeed poorly lit.

KOMPAS/DIONISIUS REYNALDO TRIWIBOWO

Police are guarding in Kalahien Village, Dusun Selatan District, South Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan on Wednesday (24/1/2024) amidst a queue of cars and trucks that have been waiting for around five days to cross the flood. The flood reached more than a meter on the Trans-Kalimantan route from Kalteng to East Kalimantan. Trans-Kalimantan is also cut off.

In the midst of darkness, HF claimed to have seen a motorcycle's light from a distance going in the opposite direction. The motorcycle was traveling quite fast so the rider did not see the sandy slippery road above the asphalt. The rider then swerved and fell not far from where HF was standing in the opposite direction.

Still in the midst of darkness, HF tried to help a motorcyclist who fell on the asphalt. HF ran across the street. Unfortunately, HF did not see the car approaching from behind. He was then hit by a car driven by MRA (20).

HF's body was thrown after being hit by MRA. However, not long after, HF's body was also hit by a sedan that was behind MRA. The second sedan was driven by DR (27).

HF died on the spot. His body was taken to the nearest health center, but his life could not be saved. That same night, his body was taken to his family and buried on Sunday morning.

FABIANUS UNTUK KOMPAS

Flooding in Trans-Kalimantan in Nanga Tayap District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, Monday (17/10/2022), has receded.

"When examined, the HF victim had severe head injuries that could not be saved," said Inspector One Eko Nurmanto, Head of the Law Enforcement Unit of the Palangka Raya City Police Traffic Unit, on Sunday (April 28, 2024).

Eko explained that his team has taken statements from two sedan drivers and the victim of the single accident, or the motorcyclist who HF wanted to help. Both car drivers also suffered minor injuries from the incident.

"According to the statement of two car drivers, they admitted that they did not see the victim while passing through the middle of the road due to the dark position and the distance being too close between the car and the victim, making the accident unavoidable," said Eko.

DIONISIUS REYNALDO TRIWIBOWO

Residents of Penda Barania Village utilize land on the edge of the Trans-Kalimantan Road for selling goods on Friday (10/12/2021). Barania Village in Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan, is one of the villages crossed by the Trans-Kalimantan Road from Central Kalimantan to South Kalimantan and East Kalimantan.

The Head of the Palangka Raya Police Traffic Unit, Commissioner Salahiddin, urged the community to adhere to traffic signs. He stated that a warning about speed limits has been given on the Trans-Kalimantan road.

However, he also hopes that lighting along the Trans-Kalimantan route can be increased. Until now, in some sections of the Trans-Kalimantan road, lighting only comes from the houses of residents.

"The community or road users are advised to always be vigilant of the traffic situation ahead while passing through. Obey speed limits while driving and prioritize traffic safety," said Salahiddin.