11 killed in rail crash

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)