Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi Offers Condolences After Fatal Train Accident in Semarang
The accident occurred around 7 a.m. Western Indonesian Time when a motorcycle carrying three people crossed the railway line. The motorcycle was subsequently struck by a freight train travelling from west to east. The deceased victim has been identified by the initials HRA (9), a resident of Kaliasin, North Semarang District. Two other victims, ZIA (12) and Rujito (45), sustained head injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed his profound condolences. “I offer my deepest condolences,” Luthfi said in a written statement on Monday.
He noted the incident was particularly heartbreaking as it occurred while children were heading to school at the start of the new academic year. He called on the public to pray for the deceased and for the swift recovery of the two injured victims. “We pray that the deceased receives husnul khatimah, and that those still undergoing treatment are granted a speedy recovery,” he said.
Beyond offering condolences, Luthfi confirmed he had instructed the provincial Health Office to coordinate fully with the hospital to ensure the best possible care for the injured. “I have ordered the hospital to provide full assistance. The Health Office will coordinate to help ease the family’s suffering,” he stated.
According to police information, the crossing guard had already lowered the barrier and issued warnings to motorists. However, the motorcycle rider continued to cross the tracks, resulting in the rear of the vehicle being struck by the train. The collision threw the three victims and the motorcycle onto the road barrier. All victims were unconscious during evacuation and were taken to Dr. Kariadi General Hospital in Semarang.
Governor Luthfi stressed that the incident must serve as a collective lesson for the public to be more disciplined when crossing level crossings. He urged people not to force their way through when officers have given warnings or when the crossing sirens are sounding. “If there are signs from the officers, especially warning sirens, you must stop even if the barrier hasn’t fully lowered yet,” he said. He reminded motorists that a train’s speed and distance are difficult to estimate, making compliance with signs and officer directions crucial to preventing similar accidents. “This must be a concern for all of us so that it does not happen again,” he concluded.