Authorities have released crucial findings from their interrogation of Adi Irawan, the driver of a vehicle distributing free nutritious meals (MBG), following a harrowing incident where he crashed into students and teachers at SDN Kalibaru 01 Pagi elementary school in Cilincing, North Jakarta. The accident, which sent shockwaves through the community, occurred on Thursday, December 11.
Kompol Onkoseno Grandiarso, Head of the North Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit, revealed the driver’s pivotal confession during a press conference held on Friday, December 12. According to Onkoseno, Adi Irawan admitted to a critical error: pressing the wrong pedal. This fundamental mistake led to the immediate loss of control over the vehicle, turning what should have been a routine stop into a chaotic scene.
“Yes, from the statement provided, the individual concerned stated they pressed the wrong pedal,” Onkoseno elaborated. He further explained, “He was supposed to step on the brake when he intended to stop, but he mistakenly depressed the accelerator instead.” This misjudgment underscores the sudden and unforeseen nature of the incident that unfolded at the school premises.
The situation escalated rapidly as Adi Irawan succumbed to panic. As explained by Onkoseno, this immediate panic caused him to lose complete control of the vehicle, which then veered off course and tragically plowed into the elementary school grounds. In a desperate attempt to mitigate the disaster, Adi reportedly tried to steer the vehicle sharply to the left. “Because of panic, he eventually couldn’t control it anymore. That’s why he kept trying to turn it to the left, considering he felt there were many people in front of him. He tried to go as far left as possible to avoid that crowd,” Onkoseno recounted, detailing the driver’s frantic efforts to avert a greater catastrophe.
Further investigation revealed a critical contributing factor behind the incident: severe sleep deprivation. Preliminary examinations indicate that Adi Irawan had only slept for a mere 1.5 hours before commencing his shift driving the MBG vehicle. This extreme lack of rest played a fatal role in the tragic chain of events, profoundly impacting his judgment and reaction time.
The devastating consequences of this lapse were immediately apparent, as the out-of-control vehicle struck 22 individuals. All 22 victims sustained injuries in the collision, highlighting the grave danger posed by the driver’s impaired state and the unexpected breach of school safety.
For his actions, Adi Irawan faces serious legal repercussions. He has been charged under Article 360, Paragraph 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Adi is currently being held in custody as the investigation continues, underscoring the legal gravity of the incident and the authorities’ commitment to justice.
Summary
Adi Irawan, a driver distributing free nutritious meals (MBG), crashed into 22 students and teachers at an elementary school in North Jakarta on December 11. Police investigations revealed he confessed to accidentally pressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. Panic ensued, and he attempted to steer sharply left to avoid hitting more people.
Further investigation identified severe sleep deprivation as a critical factor, as Adi Irawan had only slept 1.5 hours before his shift, impairing his judgment. All 22 victims sustained injuries in the collision. Adi Irawan has been charged under Article 360, Paragraph 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, facing a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and is currently in custody.