Landslide stops train

Landslide stops train

BANDUNG: The economy-class Sawunggalih train from Kutoarjo in
Central Java to Bandung was brought to a stop in Ciamis on Friday
after being struck by stones and soil from a collapsing hill
adjacent to the track.

Railway company spokesman, Akhmad Sujadi said the debris hit
locomotive No. CC 201 102 with its six coaches at 12:11 p.m.,
forcing the train to stop.

"There were no fatalities in the incident. But the driver's
assistant, Sudarmadji was slightly injured," Akhmad said.

He said the company arranged for the passengers to continue to
their destination by bus.

"The trains from Bandung to Kroya, Yogyakarta and Surabaya
have to be detoured," he said, citing the Argowilis, Mutiara
Selatan, Turangga, Lodaya, Kahuripan, Cisadane and Serayu trains.

He added that the company would clear the track and lift the
locomotive as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, hundreds of houses in the Rancaekek district of
Bandung have been inundated following torrential rains on
Thursday.

Rancaekek, some 25 kilometers east of downtown Bandung, is
known as a flood-prone area. A local said that the water level
reached between 70 and 120 centimeters in places. (25/sur)