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Train Collision in Bekasi, Indonesia Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured

Generated on: Last updated: 4 sources
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Train Collision at Bekasi Timur Station: Multiple Casualties Reported

Bekasi, Indonesia — A passenger train collision Monday evening at Bekasi Timur Station, roughly 25 kilometers from Jakarta, has resulted in a range of casualty figures across various reports.

"The toll could rise as the evacuation continues." — Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad

Incident Details

The collision involved a stationary commuter train and the long-distance Argo Bromo Anggrek. According to state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), the long-distance train struck the rear carriage of the commuter train, which was designated for women only. The impact caused significant damage to that carriage.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

Reports on the number of casualties vary among sources:

  • Source 1 reports 4 deaths and 38 injuries
  • Source 2 reports 15 deaths and 88 injuries
  • Source 3 reports 7 deaths and 81 injuries
  • Source 4 reports at least 4 deaths and more than 30 injuries

Rescue teams worked to free passengers trapped in the damaged carriage. KAI officials confirmed that all approximately 240 passengers on the long-distance train were evacuated safely. Jakarta search and rescue personnel reported using extrication equipment to reach trapped individuals.

Official Statements

KAI spokesperson Anne Purba confirmed the incident and the varying casualty figures reported by different outlets.

KAI spokesperson Franoto Wibowo stated that a taxi appeared to have clipped the commuter train at a level crossing, causing it to stop on the tracks where it was subsequently struck by the long-distance train. He added that passenger rescue was the company's priority and that evacuation to hospitals was ongoing.

Deputy house speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated that the toll could rise as the evacuation continues. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

"Evacuating passengers and crew is our top priority." — KAI, in an apology issued on social media

Context

The last major train crash in Indonesia occurred in January 2024 in West Java, killing four crew members and injuring about two dozen people. Accidents on Indonesia's railway network have been reported in previous years, including a collision in West Java in January 2024, a 2013 train-minibus crash, and a 2010 rear-end collision.