11 killed in rail crash

JAKARTA (JP): Eleven people were killed when an express train smashed into a minibus at an intersection in Kedungbener village on Thursday.

The incident occurred when the van suddenly stalled just as it was crossing the railway tracks.

All the van passengers came from the Kalisongo village and were on their way to take part in a Koran recital session at an Islamic boarding school as part of the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday, the Antara news agency reported.

The driver was already out of the vehicle as he was pushing the bus helped by a number of bystanders. The Jakarta bound train suddenly appeared and rammed the van. The driver survived.

The van was dragged approximately 500 meters before it broke free from the train. All 11 people on board died instantly. (emb)