Rescuers have completed the recovery of all victims from a devastating train collision near Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, confirming that 14 people lost their lives in the incident. The crash occurred on Monday when a long-distance train slammed into the rear car of a stationary commuter train at the Bekasi Timur station, located just outside Jakarta. The affected car was designated as a women-only carriage, a common feature on Indonesian commuter trains aimed at preventing harassment.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
According to Bobby Rasyidin, CEO of state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia, a total of 84 injured individuals were transported to hospitals for medical treatment. The bodies of the deceased were taken to a hospital for identification. Rescue teams finished evacuating all victims from the wreckage by midmorning on Tuesday. Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, confirmed that there were no further casualties. Officials also reported that all 240 passengers aboard the Argo Bromo Anggrek long-distance train were safe.
Investigation and Response
Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri informed reporters that an investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway. Local television footage and videos circulating on social media captured scenes of panic at the station, with first responders and residents working together to evacuate passengers from the train cars. Dozens of people rushed to the station seeking news about their family members.
Anne Purba, vice president for corporate communications of the railway company, issued a formal apology to customers. In a statement, she said, "At this time, all efforts are focused on evacuating passengers and crew, as well as assisting victims at the scene, with safety as the top priority." The official also noted that commuter rail services in the area have been disrupted.
Background on Railway Accidents
Accidents are not uncommon on Indonesia's aging railway infrastructure. In January 2024, a collision between two trains in West Java province resulted in at least four fatalities. In October 2013, a passenger train struck a minibus at an unguarded crossing in West Java, killing 13 people. More notably, in 2010, a train traveling from Jakarta plowed into the rear of a stationary train at a station in Central Java province, claiming 36 lives.
