Coin Sweeper on Indramayu Bridge Dies After Being Hit by Container Truck
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A woman collecting coins on a bridge in Indramayu, West Java, died after being hit by a container truck.
- The victim was reportedly sweeping coins thrown by passing motorists, a common practice at the location.
- Authorities are investigating the incident, and the truck involved has been secured.
A tragic accident has claimed the life of a coin collector on the Kali Sewo Bridge in Indramayu, West Java, highlighting the perilous nature of this informal economy. Surtinih, 40, was killed instantly when a container truck veered off course and struck her as she performed her daily task of sweeping up coins tossed by passing vehicles.
This practice, while a source of income for many in the community, has long been a point of concern due to the inherent dangers of operating on a busy roadway. Reports indicate that Surtinih was one of several individuals engaged in this activity at the time of the incident. The truck, traveling from Cirebon to Jakarta, reportedly lost control, hitting the median before colliding with the victim, whose body was trapped beneath the vehicle.
Yes, it is being handled by the Indramayu Police Traffic Unit.
The incident caused significant traffic disruptions along the Pantura highway, a vital artery connecting major cities. Emergency services responded quickly to evacuate the victim, whose body was transported to a local hospital. The case is now under investigation by the Indramayu Police, with the involved truck impounded. This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who eke out a living in precarious conditions, often overlooked by broader economic narratives.
The victim was trapped under the container truck.
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.