Bekasi Timur Train Tragedy: From a taxi that stalled on the tracks to the fatal collision between the KRL Commuter Line and Argo Bromo Anggrek

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi outlined the chronology of the deadly accident involving the Jakarta–Cikarang KRL Commuter Line and the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek at Bekasi Timur Station. The explanation was given during a Working Meeting (Raker) with Commission V of the DPR in the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Thursday (21 May 2026). According to Dudy, the accident occurred on 27 April 2026 at 20:52 WIB and involved Commuter Line train 5568A on the Jakarta–Cikarang route and KA Argo Bromo Anggrek. “This incident resulted in 124 casualties, including 16 dead, five receiving treatment, and 103 having returned home,” Dudy said. He explained that the sequence began when Commuter Line 5568A arrived at Bekasi Station at 20:34 WIB with a one‑minute delay. The train was then dispatched again at 20:37 WIB and passed Bekasi Timur Station at 20:39 WIB. Next, a taxi was reported stalled on the tracks near the rail line. At 20:48 WIB, KA 5181B on the Cikarang–Jakarta route passed and collided with the vehicle. The incident drew crowds as many people went to the scene to observe the incident. In this situation, the Commuter Line train 5568A, which had been eight minutes late, departed at 20:45 WIB and arrived at Bekasi Timur at 20:49 WIB. “The train had departed but then stopped because crowds gathered in front to view the incident,” Dudy said. At the same time, KA Argo Bromo Anggrek passed Bekasi Station at 20:51 WIB, three minutes earlier than scheduled, travelling at a speed of 108 kilometres per hour. The collision between Argo Bromo Anggrek and KRL 5568A occurred at 20:52 WIB in the Bekasi Timur complex. Dudy said the Ministry of Transportation respects the ongoing investigation by the National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT). “The Ministry supports an independent, professional, and transparent investigation,” he said. He added that the government is currently prioritising the handling of victims and restoration of railway services so that public transport can return to normal.”