UP to 18 people have died during a 35-hour traffic jam in Indonesia.

Drivers were travelling from Jakarta to Tegal on the East Brebes toll road when they became stuck and forced to suffer stifling heat.

Up to 18 people have died because of a 35-hour traffic jam (stock image) Credit: Getty Images

Brebes chief medical officer Sri Gunadi Parwoko said 12 victims died from fatigue.

Five were killed in an accident at a road crossing, while another death remains unknown.

Some of those who died had pre-existing health problems, Lensa Indonesia reports.

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