Holiday accidents kill at least 427 people in Indonesia

Jakarta (dpa) - Holiday accidents kill at least 427 people in Indonesia At least 427 people were killed and more than 1,400 others injured in traffic accidents across the country during this year's Eid al-Fitr holiday season, marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, media reports said Sunday.

National police spokesman Abubakar Nataprawira said the figures were tabulated from reports between September 25 and October 4, with a total of 970 accidents involving 1,258 vehicles.

"The figures may still increase because our traffic operation to ensure the safety of homeward-bound travelers during the Eid al-Fitr holiday is not over yet," The Jakarta Post quoted Nataprawira as saying.

Last year, police recorded 1,875 accidents during Eid al-Fitr that killed 798 people, which was up by 82 per cent compared from the fatality figures in 2006.

The return influx of holiday travelers was expected to reach its peak this weekend, as offices are set to resume activities on Monday. (dpa)