Jakarta: A tragic rail accident near Jakarta has claimed at least 14 lives and left 84 others injured after two trains collided in Bekasi late Monday night. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that rescue operations have now concluded, with all survivors evacuated from the wreckage.
The crash involved a commuter train and a long-distance service, resulting in severe damage to several carriages. According to PT Kereta Api Indonesia, the country’s state-run rail operator, the death toll rose as emergency teams continued their search through the debris.
Rescue officials described the operation as complex and time-sensitive. Mohammad Syafii, who led the effort, said trained personnel had to carefully cut through twisted metal to reach trapped passengers. He confirmed that no one remains unaccounted for, though teams are still examining the site for any remains.
One of the most severely affected sections was a women-only coach, where all the fatalities were reported. Many victims were trapped under crushed steel, making the rescue effort particularly challenging. Emergency crews used heavy equipment, including cutting tools, to free survivors from the mangled compartments.
Initial findings shared by Bobby Rasyidin suggest that the commuter train may have first struck a taxi on the tracks before being hit by the oncoming long-distance train. The taxi has been identified as belonging to Green SM Indonesia, which has stated it is cooperating with investigators.
Following the incident, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited injured passengers at a local hospital and called for a thorough investigation. He also indicated plans to construct a flyover at the crossing to reduce congestion and improve safety, acknowledging concerns about the condition of parts of the rail network.
The National Transportation Safety Committee has launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the collision.
At the crash site and nearby stations, anxious relatives gathered seeking information about loved ones. Survivors recounted the terrifying moments of impact, describing how the collision occurred suddenly, leaving little time to react.
Rail services in the region have been disrupted, with several commuter routes shortened or cancelled. The incident has once again drawn attention to safety challenges in Indonesia’s transport sector, where accidents involving land transport remain a recurring concern.
