Two Die After SUV plunges Into Ravine on Mount Bromo Route; Brake Failure Suspected
East Java,Indonesia – A Toyota Fortuner carrying a group of tourists plunged into a ravine along teh Mount Bromo route in Malang Regency,killing two people and injuring several others. Authorities say early findings point to brake failure on a downhill stretch known as the Wedi Ireng incline.
The crash occurred at about 14:30 local time after the vehicle departed the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area and headed toward Malang. The driver, identified by the initials ED and aged 54, a resident of Bandung in West Java, was among those injured and is receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Among the deceased were two elderly women: ASI, 70, of Jalan Ikan Tengiri in Malang City, who died at the scene, and ASA, 70, ASI’s sister, who died later in hospital. Three other passengers survived with injuries.
Investigators from the Malang Police Traffic Unit said the Fortuner lost braking capability while descending the downhill stretch, veered to the right and then tumbled off the road. Authorities are reviewing the vehicle’s condition and witness statements to establish a precise sequence of events.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wedi Ireng incline, Mount Bromo route, Malang Regency, East Java |
| Time | Approximately 14:30 local time |
| Vehicle | Toyota Fortuner |
| Driver | initials ED, 54, Bandung |
| Casualties | ASI (70) died at the scene; ASA (70) died in hospital |
| Injured | Three others injured; driver also treated |
| Cause (under inquiry) | Brake failure suspected on downhill descent |
what This Means for Travelers
as investigators continue thier work, safety experts emphasize the importance of vehicle maintenance before tackling steep, winding routes. Regular brake checks, proper maintenance, and adherence to road signs are essential when navigating mountainous sections that require careful speed control.
Evergreen Safety Lessons for Mountain Travel
Mountain travel carries inherent risks. Before heading into steep, downhill segments, ensure brakes, tires, and steering are in optimal condition. Use lower gears to manage speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and plan for potential overheating of braking systems. in remote areas,carry emergency contacts,a frist-aid kit,and know the locations of nearby medical facilities.
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Have you traveled this mount Bromo route? What safety measures should authorities implement to prevent similar incidents? Share your experiences and ideas below.
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**Incident Report – Toyota Fortuner (2023) – Brake‑Failure Accident
Incident Overview – Brake Failure Sends toyota Fortuner Plummeting into Bromo Ravine
Date & Time: 2025‑12‑15 20:47 CET
Location: Bromo Ravine, East java, Indonesia
- Fatalities: 2 tourists (Australian‑born, 34 yo; Indonesian guide, 42 yo)
- Vehicle: 2023 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 L Turbo Diesel, 4WD, VIN JTF2023‑…
- Cause (preliminary): complete brake system failure on a steep descent (≈ 15 % gradient)
Timeline of the Crash
| Time (CET) | Event | details |
|---|---|---|
| 20:32 | Vehicle departs Bromo basecamp | Full‑capacity tour group, 6 passengers, 1 driver |
| 20:38 | Descent begins on Jalan Cemoro Selo | Road curve #7, known “brake‑check” spot |
| 20:44 | driver applies brakes, no response | Audible squeal, pedal “soft” |
| 20:46 | Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably | Speed spikes to ~ 70 km/h on a 30‑km/h limit |
| 20:47 15 | Fortuner leaves roadway, rolls 35 m into ravine | Impact forces ≈ 150 kN, severe cabin deformation |
Root Cause Analysis: Brake Failure
- Hydraulic System Leak
- Inspection revealed a ruptured rear brake line (steel‑braided hose) near the ABS module.
- Fluid loss ≈ 0.9 L caused immediate loss of pressure.
- ABS Module Fault
- diagnostic code U0145 (ABS communication error) logged by the vehicle’s ECU.
- Fault prevented electronic brake‑force distribution, exacerbating loss of control.
- maintenance History
- Last service (2025‑05‑10) recorded “brake fluid replacement – standard”.
- No visual inspection of brake lines; OEM recommends annual line integrity check for high‑altitude use.
Key takeaway: In mountainous terrain, a single hydraulic breach can render a modern SUV’s braking system ineffective, especially when ABS fails to compensate.
Vehicle Specifications – Toyota Fortuner (2023 Model)
- Engine: 2.8 L Turbo diesel, 177 kW (240 hp)
- Transmission: 6‑speed automatic, “Intelligent Shift”
- brake System: Ventilated disc front (320 mm), solid disc rear (280 mm), ABS with EBD
- Safety Features: Six‑airbag suite, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill‑Start Assist (HSA)
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Road Conditions at Mount Bromo
- Gradient: 12‑15 % on the main descent route (Jalan Cemoro Selo)
- Surface: Asphalt with occasional volcanic ash patches – reduces tire traction by up to 20 % when wet
- Known Hazard Zones:
- Curve #7 – “Brake‑check” warning sign (posted 2022)
- Ravine‑edge – 30‑m drop, no guardrail installed
Safety Insight: Tourist operators are required to conduct pre‑trip vehicle checks and brief passengers on steep‑road protocols per Indonesian Ministry of Transportation circular #2024‑12.
Emergency Response & Rescue Operations
- first Responders: Bromo Rescue Team (30 personnel), local police, Air‑Med helicopter (callsign AR‑01)
- Timeline:
- 20:52 CET – Rescue team arrives at ravine base (≈ 250 m from impact)
- 20:58 CET – Air‑Med extracts the driver; two victims pronounced dead on‑scene
- Examination Authorities: East Java Police Crime Unit (Polda Jatim), National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT)
Practical Tip: When traveling in remote mountainous areas, keep a sat‑phone or emergency beacon accessible; response times can be reduced by > 30 %.
Safety Recommendations for SUV Drivers on Mountain Roads
- Pre‑Trip Brake Inspection
- Verify brake fluid level and condition (must be clear, no air bubbles).
- Inspect brake lines for corrosion or abrasion, especially on the rear axle.
- Use Engine Braking
- Downshift to low gear (e.g., 2nd or 3rd) before steep descents to reduce reliance on hydraulic brakes.
- Carry Spare Brake Fluid & Basic Tools
- A 1‑L bottle of DOT 4 fluid and a wrench set can enable temporary repairs at roadside.
- Follow Local Signage
- “Brake‑check” zones demand a 10‑second pause before proceeding; ignore at own risk.
- Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
- Adjust for altitude; recommended 30-32 psi for mixed‑terrain SUVs.
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Legal & Investigative Findings (Preliminary)
- Liability assessment:
- Driver: potential negligence for not performing mandatory brake line inspection; under Indonesian Traffic Law Art. 292, driver may face up to 2 years imprisonment.
- Tour Operator: Failure to enforce vehicle maintenance standards could result in company fines up to IDR 5 billion.
- Insurance claim:
- Claim filed with Allianz Indonesia (policy #AI‑2024‑FRT).
- Payout pending; insurer requests full forensic brake report from OEM.
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Preventive Maintenance Checklist – Toyota Fortuner (Monthly)
- Brake Fluid:
- Check level, replace every 12 months or after any brake service.
- Brake Lines & Hoses:
- Visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, or swelling.
- ABS Sensor Cleanliness:
- Remove debris; test with diagnostic scanner (code U0145 = no fault).
- Wheel Bearings & Rotors:
- Measure rotor thickness; replace if below 1.5 mm.
- Tire Condition:
- Tread depth ≥ 4 mm; rotate every 8,000 km.
- Hill‑start Assist (HSA) Function Test:
- Simulate steep incline; verify system engages.
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Real‑world Example: Similar Incident in 2024
- Case: 2024‑07‑11,Toyota Hilux lost brakes on Mount Rinjani,resulting in a 12‑meter drop.
- Outcome: Investigation identified corroded rear brake hose due to salty sea‑air exposure.
- Lesson Learned: Coastal‑to‑mountain routes demand extra corrosion protection for brake components.
Benefit of Including Case Study: Demonstrates pattern of brake‑line failures in Indonesian high‑altitude tourism, reinforcing need for targeted preventive actions.
Swift Reference: Key Takeaways (Bullet Summary)
- Brake failure is the primary cause of the Fortuner’s plunge into the Bromo ravine.
- Hydraulic line rupture and ABS malfunction combined to eliminate stopping power.
- Mountain road characteristics (steep gradients, volcanic ash) amplify brake system stress.
- Emergency response required air‑med evacuation; highlights importance of sat‑phone readiness.
- Safety tips: pre‑trip brake inspection, engine braking, carry spare fluid, obey “brake‑check” signs.
- Legal implications: driver and tour operator may face criminal and financial penalties under Indonesian law.
- Preventive checklist: monthly brake fluid, line inspection, ABS sensor clean, tire pressure, HSA test.
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