REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Vice President Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), Henry Tanoto conveyed his concerned about the accident experienced by House of Representatives speaker, Setya Novanto on Thursday (November 16) night.
"First of all, we are concerned about the accident involving user of Toyota vehicle," said Henry on Friday (November 17).
Henry said, the police have asked TAM to assist the investigation on the accident.
"We shall wait for police investigation's first," he said.
Novanto sat at the second row seaters of Toyota Fortuner.
Reza, his aide, sat in front of him, while Metro TV stringer Hilman Mattauch drove the car.
At first, they were heading to Metro TV studio at Pilar Mas Raya complex, West Jakarta for Prime Time News program.
The TV station scheduled an exclusive interview with Novanto who went missing since Wednesday.
But, later it was decided to be a live by phone interview, Traffic director of Jakarta Metro Police Commander Halim Pagarra explained in a text message received by Republika.co.id, on Friday.
"The driver then tried to find safe place to pull over. But he lost concentration as he was on the phone and also talked to the victim. He was also tired and lacked of sleep," Halim said after conducting investigation.
Right after ending the phone call, Hilman answered Novanto's speech. He sometimes looked back to Novanto. He also received calls from his office back-and-forth.
They had an accident at Permata Hijau area at around 18:35 pm. The car hit electricity pole.
"Due to lack of consentration, the driver turned the wheel to the right. The car climbed to the sidewalk, crashing into trees and finally bumped into power pole," Halim remarked.
The accident damaged the car's hood and bumper. Its right front tire broke and the middle left window also broke.
Novanto immediately fainted and got a bump in his left forehead. He was rushed to Medika Permata Hijau hospital and since Friday afternoon he was under treatment of Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital.
Meanwhile, his aide and the driver were safe.
The police have named Hilman as suspect in this case.
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