Tuesday, 15 September 2026
PIDIE | INDATANEWS.COM - A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday evening, August 11, 2026, along the Banda Aceh–Medan connecting road in Gampong Tanjong Kreung, Pidie District, Pidie Regency, Aceh. A Kedondong tree standing by the roadside fell during rain and strong wind gusts, striking a passing Suzuki Carry Pick-up bearing registration number BL 8160 AN.
Seven occupants of the vehicle were killed in the accident, while five others were injured. Emergency responders subsequently transported all of the victims to RSUD Tgk. Chik Ditiro, where they received medical treatment according to the severity of their respective conditions.
Pidie Police Chief AKBP Jaka Mulyana, S.I.K., M.I.K., said the accident occurred at around 8:15 p.m. local time. At the time of the incident, rain was falling and strong winds were also affecting the area.
The vehicle, driven by 30-year-old Rahmad Hidayat, was traveling from Banda Aceh toward Medan with several passengers on board. As the vehicle passed the accident site, the Kedondong tree standing beside the road suddenly fell and landed directly on the vehicle.
The impact damaged the vehicle and caused the passengers inside to become victims of the accident. Nighttime conditions, a wet road caused by the rain, and poor weather accompanied by strong winds further complicated the situation.
AKBP Jaka Mulyana said seven people died in the accident. The deceased were Fatimah Wati, 50; Zainabon, 57; Nurma Husen, 50; Rafasah, 60; Halimah, 68; Salhiah, 76; and Zubaidah, 68.
Five other victims sustained serious injuries. They included the 30-year-old driver, Rahmad Hidayat, as well as Safwan, 70; Muhammad Kausar, 6; Huwaidi, 10; and Ahmad Syahir, 11.
After receiving the report of the accident, emergency personnel immediately evacuated the victims. Police officers, together with other relevant agencies and local residents, went to the scene to provide assistance and secure the area surrounding the accident site.
Police also managed traffic so that the evacuation could be carried out safely without causing major disruption to other road users. Following the evacuation, the victims were taken to RSUD Kabupaten Pidie for medical treatment.
The Pidie Police Chief said officers from Polres Pidie immediately went to the accident scene, known locally as the TKP, after receiving the report. The officers secured the area, managed traffic, evacuated the victims, checked their conditions, and secured evidence.
Police also contacted the victims' families and coordinated with the relevant authorities during the subsequent response. The measures were intended to ensure that all victims received appropriate care and that identification procedures could be carried out in accordance with applicable procedures.
At the scene, police secured a Suzuki Carry Pick-up bearing registration number BL 8160 AN, along with its vehicle registration certificate (STNK). The vehicle is being retained as evidence for the further handling and investigation of the case.
The pick-up was heavily damaged after being struck by the fallen tree. Police are continuing to examine the vehicle and conditions at the scene in an effort to reconstruct the sequence of events as comprehensively as possible.
AKBP Jaka Mulyana urged the public to exercise extra caution while driving, particularly during heavy rain and strong winds. Motorists were advised to reduce their speed and remain alert to conditions along the road while traveling.
The warning is particularly important given the risks posed by severe weather. In addition to falling trees, other weather-related hazards can increase the risk of accidents on the road. Road users are urged to put safety first and avoid forcing a journey when external conditions are dangerous.
The Pidie Police Chief also expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the seven people who died. Polres Pidie, together with the relevant authorities, continues to carry out identification procedures and investigate the accident scene to determine the cause of the incident more precisely.
"We are also currently conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the tree's collapse and whether other factors contributed to the incident. We urge the public not to spread unverified information," the Pidie Police Chief said.
Police continue to gather information and conduct investigations at the accident scene. The examination includes the condition of the tree, the surrounding area, the vehicle, and other factors that may have been connected to the accident.
The tragic incident has drawn widespread attention because it occurred while the vehicle was carrying several passengers from Banda Aceh toward Medan. In addition to the fatalities, the incident once again highlights the importance of exercising extreme caution in poor weather conditions, particularly at night. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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