A deadly train accident occurred at East Bekasi Station in Bekasi, West Java, involving the Argo Bromo Anggrek long-distance train (Kereta Api Jarak Jauh or KAJJ) and the Cikarang commuter line train (Kereta Rel Listrik or KRL) on Monday evening, 27th of April.
The accident is believed to have started at a level crossing near East Bekasi Station. Initially, an electric, green-coloured taxi—allegedly operated by Green SM (Xanh SM)—collided with a KRL train on the Jakarta-bound track. The taxi collided with the KRL train as it was crossing the track and suddenly stopped.
“There was a taxi that collided with the KRL [train] on the direct crossing lane near Bulak Kapal. This caused the KRL [train] to stop,” said Franoto Wibowo, the Public Relations Manager for KAI Operations Area 1 Jakarta, on Monday.
As a result of the aforementioned incident, another KRL train bound for Cikarang stopped at East Bekasi Station. Tragically, shortly afterwards, the Argo Bromo Anggrek KAJJ train collided with the rear of the second KRL train.
“The KRL [train] stopped, and the Argo Bromo [KAJJ] train was behind it,” Wibowo added.
The impact was reportedly so severe that it caused extensive damage to the second KRL train, with the front of the KAJJ train reportedly penetrating the KRL train’s women-only carriage. The latest data show the death toll has reached 14, while dozens more have been injured. All of the deceased victims were reported to be female.
“Update 8.45 AM Western Indonesia Time: 14 deaths, 84 injured, treatment is still ongoing,” said Anne Purba, the VP of Corporate Communications of KAI, in a written statement on Tuesday morning, 28th of April.
The evacuation process was also declared complete on Tuesday morning.
“Thanks to the cooperation of all elements, we were able to carry out the search-and-rescue operation as we had hoped, and it was completed this [Tuesday] morning at 8 AM,” said M Syafii, the Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency.
This accident has subsequently impacted train operations in and around Bekasi. East Bekasi Station is temporarily closed to passenger boarding and disembarkation. KRL trains are only serving Bekasi Station, while certain lines are open for limited KAJJ operations.
In response to the accident, President Prabowo Subianto has allocated a budget of around Rp4 trillion to repair 1,800 railway crossing points on Java to improve public transportation safety.
“This step was taken because the government realised that many railway lines are currently unguarded, making them prone to accidents,” the President said while visiting train accident victims at Dr Chasbullah Abdulmadjid Regional Hospital, Bekasi City, on Tuesday.
In addition, the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation stated that it would summon the Green SM taxi operator following the accident.
“Earlier, I’ve asked the Director General of Land Transportation to meet with the operator of that green taxi [Green SM] to conduct an evaluation,” said Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi at East Bekasi Station on Tuesday.
In an official statement, Green SM Indonesia stated that the company is taking the accident seriously.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. We are deeply saddened by this incident and hope that all involved are safe and well. The incident is currently under investigation, and no official conclusions have been issued by the authorities. Green SM continues to coordinate with the relevant authorities by providing relevant information and supporting the investigation,” the Green SM Indonesia management said via its Instagram account on Tuesday as well.