Duri-Tangerang Commuter Train Suddenly Halts After Passengers Hear Three Explosions

Passengers on the Duri-Tangerang Commuter Line heard three explosions before the train suddenly stopped at the RT 01/RW 11 level crossing in Rawa Buaya, Cengkareng, West Jakarta, on Tuesday (26/5) afternoon.

“I heard explosions. It went bang, then the train went dead, came back on, bang again, then dead, then bang once more before stopping completely. The sound came from inside the train, like a ‘dug’,” said Tasya (25), speaking to journalists at the scene. The explosions caused the carriage lights to go out, triggering panic among passengers. Many, including Tasya, chose to disembark due to safety concerns. “I was travelling from Kampung Bandan to Tangerang. I got off here at the level crossing. The doors opened, so I stepped out,” she added.

Another passenger, Butar (45), reported hearing the explosions in carriage three. “I was in carriage three when I heard three bangs around 5pm. I moved to the front carriage after the explosions and stayed there until the train could move again,” he said.

As of 6:40pm, the train remained stationary. Some passengers had alighted while others remained onboard. Carriage lights flickered intermittently. Local residents gathered around the rear carriage at the railway crossing, with traffic on Daan Mogot Road affected as barriers remained closed. Drivers were forced to turn back or find alternative routes, while some parked to observe the situation. The level crossing siren continued sounding, indicating an ongoing incident.

PT KAI confirmed in a social media post that staff were addressing the issue. “We apologise for delays on the Tangerang Commuter Line due to operational disruptions on KA 1978A (Duri-Tangerang) between Taman Kota and Bojong Indah stations,” the statement read. “Relevant personnel are inspecting and handling the situation. We will provide updates as developments unfold and urge passengers to follow on-site staff instructions.”

Leza Arlan, PT KAI Commuter’s Public Relations Manager, explained that the incident affected the overhead line (LAA), which had to be switched off, rendering the Duri-Rawabuaya line temporarily unusable. “After receiving the report, staff immediately coordinated on-site to ensure passenger safety and expedite service normalisation,” he said. The overhead line was restored at 5:56pm, and Commuter Line 1978A was coupled with 1980A and proceeded to track three at Rawabuaya Station for further checks.