Five motorists die in train collision

CIMAHI, West Java (JP): Five motorists died when their vehicles were struck on Jl. Sriwijaya in Cimahi regency by a Parahyangan train plying the Jakarta-Bandung route on Sunday morning.

The victims were identified as Mustadi, 34, his wife Lilis Setiarasbukti, 30, and their two-year-old child Atian; and Tedy Ahmad Nuhaendy, 20, and Oha Kahrudin, 50.

The accident occurred after the crossing guard reportedly opened the crossing gate too soon.

At about 9 a.m., after the K-26 Parahyangan train to Jakarta passed the crossing lane on Jl. Sriwijaya, the gate was opened.

However, another Parahyangan train was approaching from the opposite direction. The train collided with a number of vehicles, including three motorcycles, who did not see the approaching train.

"They (the victims) and the train crossing guard thought that only one Bandung-Jakarta Parahyangan was passing," Asep, a witness, said.

The case is currently being investigated by the Bandung Police.(43/edt)