Singapore tourists injured in Mount Bromo downhill collision
A tourist minibus carrying Singaporean nationals crashed into multiple vehicles on the Mount Bromo route in East Java after an apparent brake failure, injuring several passengers but causing no fatalities.
- A tourist minibus allegedly suffered brake failure on the Mount Bromo downhill route in East Java.
- Several Singaporean tourists and other motorists were injured in the multi-vehicle collision.
- Police are investigating the incident, which temporarily disrupted traffic near the tourist area
A minibus carrying tourists from Singapore was involved in a multi-vehicle collision on the tourist route to Mount Bromo in Probolinggo Regency, East Java, on Saturday, 9 May 2026. The accident, which occurred on a steep downhill section in Ngadas Village, Sukapura District, is suspected to have been caused by brake failure.
The collision took place at approximately 11:45 am WIB and involved at least four vehicles. According to police and eyewitness accounts, the Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number BE-7013-AQ, was travelling from the Bromo tourist area towards Probolinggo after transporting foreign tourists.
Inspector Aditya Wikrama, Head of Traffic Law Enforcement at the Probolinggo Police Traffic Unit, said the vehicle reportedly lost control while descending the slope.
“It is suspected that the vehicle became uncontrollable because of a malfunction in the braking system while travelling downhill, causing it to veer into the opposite lane,” he said.
Police stated that the Hiace first collided with a Toyota Rush driven by Mohammad Mahfud, a resident of Surabaya. The vehicle then struck a Renault Koleos driven by Putra Adi from Bogor before also hitting another Toyota Hiace travelling in the opposite direction. Reports from eyewitnesses later indicated that a Toyota Alphard was also involved in the chain collision.
The minibus eventually came to a halt after crashing into an electricity pole, which was reportedly snapped in half by the impact.
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Driver and passengers attempted to prevent ravine crash
Witnesses and passengers described moments of panic inside the vehicle after the brakes allegedly failed during the descent.
Yogi, a passenger and tour guide travelling in the Hiace, said the braking system stopped functioning around 10 minutes after the journey began.
“About 10 minutes after leaving Arthotel for Ayam Bawangan, the brakes suddenly stopped working. It was likely because the brakes had overheated,” he said.
According to Yogi, the vehicle accelerated downhill at approximately 70 to 80 km/h on a road crowded with local residents attending a roadside celebration.
“There was a crowd of about 50 people attending a celebration down below. Thankfully, we managed to avoid them,” he said.
Another account from tour guide Yopi stated that the brakes had failed roughly 300 metres before the crash site.
“The brakes failed from around 300 metres away, the vehicle was travelling at about 75 km/h, and it eventually crashed into four vehicles,” he said.
Passengers and crew reportedly attempted to steer the vehicle away from pedestrians and prevent it from plunging into a ravine. According to accounts given to local media, the driver and conductor worked together to control the steering before deliberately directing the vehicle towards the electricity pole in an attempt to stop it.
“After hitting several vehicles, we finally struck an electricity pole. Both of us were steering so the vehicle would stop,” Yogi said.
Injuries and medical treatment
The crash left several people injured, including Singaporean nationals travelling in the Hiace.
Police records cited by local media stated that the vehicle was carrying seven passengers, consisting of six Singaporean tourists and one Indonesian citizen. Initial reports varied regarding the total number of casualties, with some reports stating eight injuries, while others reported at least nine or 11 injured victims.
Authorities confirmed that most of the injuries were classified as minor. Three passengers travelling in the Renault Koleos sustained injuries and were treated at Ar Rozy Regional Hospital. Meanwhile, six passengers from the tourist minibus received treatment at Sukapura Community Health Centre.
Yogi stated that several passengers suffered leg injuries and some were suspected to have fractures.
“The group I was accompanying were foreign tourists from Singapore. Most suffered leg injuries, and some may have broken bones,” he said.
No fatalities were reported in the incident.
Police investigation underway
The Probolinggo Resort Police Traffic Unit is continuing its investigation into the cause of the accident.
Authorities also revealed that the vehicle was reportedly being driven by a replacement driver named Agung at the time of the collision. The primary driver, identified as Yopi, said he had been resting due to fatigue.
Inspector Aditya noted that the area had been crowded when the crash occurred because local residents were attending a celebration nearby.
“There were approximately 30 people near the location attending a celebration. Thankfully, the vehicle did not strike any pedestrians,” he said.
Several vehicles involved in the collision sustained severe damage, with some overturning at the scene. Traffic on the Mount Bromo tourist route was temporarily disrupted while emergency responders evacuated victims and cleared the wreckage.
