Train Accident in Indonesia’s West Java Kills 14
INDONESIA – At least 14 people were killed and 84 others injured in a train accident in Indonesia’s West Java late Monday at East Bekasi Station, when a commuter train collided with a long-distance train, according to local reports on Tuesday.
Officials from state railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) said dozens of injured passengers were receiving treatment at several hospitals.
KAI spokesperson Franoto Wibowo said the incident began when a taxi collided with an electric commuter train at the Bulak Kapal railway crossing in Bekasi, according to the Jakarta Globe.
Following the impact, the commuter train came to a stop on the tracks, and soon afterward, the long-distance train traveling on the same line crashed into the stranded commuter train
Emergency teams, including from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), worked through the night to evacuate victims, some of whom required specialized medical care. Authorities said the deceased had been taken to a police hospital for identification.
Officials said all medical and funeral costs for the victims would be covered, while an emergency response center and information posts have been set up to assist families.
Train services in the affected area remain partially disrupted, with operations limited as investigators continue to assess the cause of the collision.
Indonesia’s transport authorities said the response effort is ongoing, with further updates expected as rescue and recovery operations continue.
The Indonesian parliament on Tuesday demanded a thorough probe into the cause of the accident to determine whether it was as a result of human error or technical problem.
“An immediate, comprehensive investigation into this incident is required to determine the cause, whether it was human error, signaling issues, or operational management problems,” Indonesian parliament deputy speaker said.
The lawmakers also urged for periodic evaluations and monitoring on the railway service to guarantee safety.
