The death toll from a train crash outside Indonesia's capital has risen to 15, with all victims being women, as rescuers completed their search for trapped passengers on Tuesday. The collision occurred on Monday when a long-distance train crashed into the rear car of a stationary commuter train at Bekasi Timur Station, east of Jakarta.
Crash Details and Victims
The victims were inside a women-only car, a common feature on Indonesian commuter trains designed to prevent harassment. In addition to the 15 fatalities, 88 people were taken to hospitals for treatment, according to Bobby Rasyidin, CEO of state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia. The bodies have been transported to a hospital for identification.
Rasyidin stated: "We are currently ensuring that all victims receive the best possible care." Rescue teams concluded the evacuation of all victims from the wreckage by mid-morning on Tuesday. Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, confirmed: "There are no further casualties." All 240 passengers aboard the Argo Bromo Anggrek long-distance train were reported safe.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri addressing reporters at the scene. The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation indicated in a written statement that authorities believe the incident began when another commuter train hit a stalled taxi near Bekasi Timur Station. This initial event reportedly led to the second commuter train stopping at the station, where it was subsequently struck by the long-distance service.
Rasyidin added: "As for the chronology of events, we are leaving it to the National Transportation Safety Committee to investigate the cause of tonight’s train accident in greater detail." The incident highlights ongoing concerns about Indonesia’s aging railroad network, which has a history of accidents. In January 2024, a separate collision between two trains in West Java province resulted in at least four deaths.
