Man falls to death from train

JAKARTA (JP): A passenger riding on the roof of an electric train fell to his death -- after reportedly being electrocuted -- yesterday in front of Pancasila University in Depok, south of here.

The 17-year-old victim, Suryadi, was a resident of Kampung Baru, Depok Pancoran Mas in Depok.

Rohadi, the victim's friend, said the incident happened at 2:30 p.m. while Suryadi was on his way home aboard the Jabotabek train plying the Bogor-Kota route.

"We were sitting on the train's roof as it was overcrowded inside. As the train approached the university, Suryadi touched the train's cable with his hands. He appeared to fainted afterward from the (electric) shock he received."

Rohadi said he managed to grab hold of Suryadi's body and prevent him from falling for about half an hour. But he could not hold him any longer when the train stopped in front of the university.

"Suryadi's body slipped out of my hands. The incident took place so fast that I could only stare at the falling body and shout for help."

Suryadi died of severe head wounds, Rohadi said.

He said that he and Suryadi climbed onto the train's roof along with other friends after working as garbage cleaners at Tebet's public work agency office in South Jakarta.

Minah, the victim's grandmother, said that she was claiming the body from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital's morgue as Suryadi's parents were too distraught.

She believed Suryadi, the second son from seven children, was led by God to Heaven as he died during a Holy month while he was fasting. (04)