At least 16 people were killed when a passenger bus overturned on the highway connecting Jakarta and Yogyakarta early Monday morning, Indonesian authorities confirmed. The accident occurred near a highway interchange when the bus, reportedly traveling at high speed, lost control and collided with the roadside barrier before flipping over.

Budyono, head of the local search and rescue agency, said 34 passengers were evacuated from the wreckage. Fifteen victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while one more died later in hospital. Several injured passengers were taken to hospitals in Semarang for treatment. Preliminary reports suggest that excessive speed may have been a key factor in the crash.

Indonesia frequently experiences deadly road accidents due to poor road conditions, speeding, and lax enforcement of traffic laws. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are reviewing the bus company’s safety record. The government has pledged to strengthen road safety measures ahead of the upcoming holiday travel season.