Cause Revealed for Taxi Stalling on Tracks Triggering Fatal Train Accident in Bekasi

Bekasi - The Chairman of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Said Aqil Siradj, stated that the electric taxi triggering the fatal collision at the Bulak Kapal level crossing in East Bekasi is suspected to have stalled due to vibrations from the locomotive. Vehicles often experience engine failure when recklessly attempting to cross railway tracks. “If the train is clearly approaching, and the vehicle crosses, its engine will definitely stall. Especially for electric vehicles or any car, the engine dies. Definitely. Because of the strong vibrations from the locomotive engine,” said Said after inspecting the accident victims at Bekasi City General Hospital dr. Chasbullah Abdulmadjid on Tuesday (28/4/2026). This is because the braking system of a high-speed train is not designed to stop suddenly like vehicles on asphalt roads. “They might have seen it, but it’s impossible for the train to brake. Absolutely impossible. So the taxi is at fault for crossing,” said Said. The incident escalated when the KRL hit the taxi, causing a malfunction in the signalling sensor system around the accident site. “Because of the taxi, the KRL stopped, and the sensor was damaged, resulting in an error,” he explained. Said reminded that this fatal incident, ultimately involving the KRL Commuter Line and the long-distance Argo Bromo Anggrek train, should serve as a severe warning to all road users. The driver’s careless action at the level crossing led to a much larger incident that killed more than a dozen victims. “This becomes a valuable lesson for all of us, for car drivers, vehicle operators, and train drivers alike; everyone must take this very valuable lesson. It wouldn’t have happened if we were careful or truly vigilant,” said Said. As a result of the incident, 15 KRL passengers died, and 81 others were injured. The victims have been evacuated to several health facilities, including Bekasi City General Hospital, Bella Bekasi Hospital, Primaya Hospital, Mitra Plumbon Cibitung Hospital, Bakti Kartini Hospital, Siloam East Bekasi Hospital, Hermina Hospital, as well as Mitra Keluarga East and West Bekasi Hospitals. Meanwhile, 240 passengers of the Argo Bromo Anggrek train were reported safe.