Pandalungan Train Collides with Car in Grobogan, Central Java, Leaving Three Dead
Pandalungan Train Collides with Car in Grobogan, Central Java, Leaving Three Dead
The Pandalungan train, travelling from Surabaya Pasar Turi to Gambir, collided with a car at KM 24+8/9 on the down track, between Gubug and Tegowanu stations, specifically at the manual level crossing in Medani village, Tegowanu district, Grobogan regency, Central Java, on Tuesday (24 February) evening, resulting in three fatalities.
The deceased were the driver and passengers of a silver metallic Daihatsu Sigra car with registration number AB 1266 NH, namely EP (41), the driver, and two passengers, HPS (34) and MR (41), all residents of Jepara regency.
Manager of Public Relations for Daop 4 Semarang, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Luqman Arif, said that the Pandalungan train stopped briefly at the location for inspection after the incident.
“After an inspection by the railway crew, the locomotive sustained damage to its fog lights,” he said, quoting Antara, on Wednesday (25 February).
The train was then dispatched again on Tuesday at 23:21 WIB. To ensure the safety of the journey, the locomotive was replaced at Semarang Tawang station.
As a result of this process, the Pandalungan train experienced a delay of approximately 58 minutes from its scheduled time.
“We apologise to customers affected by this incident,” said Luqman.
He affirmed that KAI will continue to enhance socialisation and safety appeals to the public in order to reduce the number of accidents at level crossings.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Tegowanu Police Sector, Police Commissioner Setyo Budi Waluyo, confirmed the traffic accident involving a four-wheeled vehicle and a train at the manual level crossing in Medani village.
The accident occurred when the crossing attendant was about to close the gate on the south side because a train was approaching from the east heading west.
However, a silver metallic Daihatsu Sigra car with registration number AB 1266 NH continued to drive from north to south and crossed the level crossing, resulting in a collision.
“The vehicle was thrown and dragged for about 50 metres from the point of impact. The car sustained severe damage, with an estimated material loss of around Rp100 million,” he said.
As a result of the incident, three people in the car were reported dead, namely EP (41), the driver, and two passengers, HPS (34) and MR (41), all residents of Jepara regency. Police are still conducting further investigations into the incident.
(team/dal)