Buleleng, Bali. Five Chinese citizens were killed and eight others injured early Friday when a minivan carrying members of a tour group veered off the road and struck a tree in Bali’s Buleleng Regency, local police confirmed.

The accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. Bali time on a steep downhill stretch with a sharp bend along the Singaraja–Denpasar highway, at the 7.7-kilometer mark.

According to Buleleng Police spokesperson Yohana, the van’s driver reported that the brakes failed moments before the crash, causing the Toyota HiAce to lose control and leave the roadway. “Traffic police are still investigating the exact cause, including a technical inspection of the vehicle,” she said.

Victims Identified
Five passengers were pronounced dead at the scene:

Zhong Yuemei
Xu Mingbiao
Xu Huijuan
Xu Huangyuan
Xu Yuexiang

Eight passengers were hospitalized at Karya Dharma Husada Hospital with injuries. They were identified as Yang Junle, Deng Zhimia, Xu Jianchao, Xu Yuehao, Xu Lihua, Xu Shaoling, Yang Chuxuan, and Chen Jiao.

The vehicle was driven by Arif Al Akbar, 39, from Pasuruan, East Java. He suffered minor abrasions to his legs and did not require hospital treatment.

Police are examining possible causes behind the deadly crash, including driver negligence, mechanical failure, and road conditions at the time of the incident.

Authorities in Buleleng are coordinating with the tour operator and the Chinese Consulate to ensure proper assistance and follow-up for all victims.