Medan, N Sumatra, May 28 (ANTARA Lampung) - As many as 17 students were killed when the truck they were aboard lost control after one of its wheels detached from the vehicle on Thursday in North Sumatra.

The incident took place on a road within the boundaries of PT SGSR plantation in Sirandorung, Central Tapanuli district, North Sumatra.

The truck was carrying 30 students---all children of employees of PT SGSR plantation---when the accident occurred at 6:30 a.m. local time, Senior Commissioner Helfi Assegaf said.

The students were heading to school in the truck when one of its wheels detached unexpectedly. The truck then lost control and overturned.

"As many as 17 students were killed, including 11 boys and six girls," Assegaf revealed.

Five students who sustained injuries were rushed to Manduamas Community Health Center, he added.