One killed as train crashes into van

JAKARTA (JP): A man was killed and three others injured when a speeding train crashed into an Isuzu Panther van at the level crossing in front of Kepiting market in North Jakarta yesterday afternoon.

Police quoted witnesses as saying that the driver of the van, who was killed in the accident, ignored traffic signals and warnings by other motorists.

Chief Sgt. Moh. Rodji of Pademangan Police subprecinct said the accident took place about 11 p.m. when the car crossed the railway line in front of an electric train plying the Tanjung Priok-Kota line.

"The train stopped after dragging the car, which had four people inside, along the tracks for about five meters."

Rodji said the van's passengers were freed from the car's wreckage after passersby and police spent two hours trying to separate the car and train.

Police identified the driver of the van as Wasin Yuhanan, 44, of Jl. Utan Panjang, Kemayoran in Central Jakarta. He suffered severe wounds to his back and feet and died on impact.

The three injured passengers were identified as Erni, Lilis and Iis, who are all salesgirls for a firm which produces health goods.

Wasin's body was rushed to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta for a postmortem examination while the three women were sent to nearby Husada Hospital for treatment.

A hospital source said that the three suffered severe wounds to their arms and feet and were in shock.

"They are in the emergency unit and will be moved to the intensive care unit," a nurse said. "They're conscious but can't recall how the accident happened." (04)