Level Crossing Guard Falls Asleep, Causing Train to Emergency Stop in Tulungagung

The Matarmaja train came to an abrupt halt in Tulungagung because a level crossing gate had not been closed. The incident was triggered by a crossing guard falling asleep while on duty.

The event, which took place at Crossing Point (JPL) 246 in Bago Village, Tulungagung Regency, went viral on social media and has become a topic of discussion among netizens.

Tohari, the Public Relations Manager of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persio) Daop 7 Madiun, confirmed the information. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday (20/09/2026), as Train 270 Matarmaja was preparing to pass through.

“The driver, upon noticing the open crossing gate, immediately performed an Extraordinary Stop (BLB),” said Tohari.

Following the incident, the driver contacted the KAI Daop 7 Madiun operations team for further action. The suspected violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is being handled jointly by the Head of the Road and Bridge Resort (Karest JJ) 7.12 Tulungagung and the security personnel of Tulungagung Station.

“From the field inspection, it was discovered that the crossing guard was asleep or experiencing microsleep. We apologise for this inconvenience,” he added.