Bus fire in Indonesia kills 13 people

PADANG, Indonesia – Police say a fire on a crowded bus has killed 13 passengers, including five children, in western Indonesia.

Local police chief Lt. Col. Partomo Iriananto says the driver halted the bus when he saw flames pouring from the engine early Tuesday in Limapuluh Kota, a town in West Sumatra province.

He says the panicked driver then ran away, leaving about 50 passengers to try to escape through the back exit. But the rear door jammed and piles of goods blocked the way. He says 13 people died and 12 others were hospitalized with burns.

The driver, who is being held for questioning, told police a short circuit apparently caused the fire.

Vehicles are often poorly maintained in Indonesia.