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.
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.
