Train Accident Update: 15 Dead, 88 Injured Still Receiving Treatment

The government has updated the casualty figures from the train accident involving the Argo Bromo Anggrek, which collided with a KRL on the Jakarta-Cikarang route at Bekasi Timur Station in Bekasi, West Java, on Monday (27/4). Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) stated that the number of fatalities from last night’s train accident has reached 15 people. “The update as of 1 p.m. today shows 15 people have passed away and 88 are still receiving treatment. This includes three who were previously trapped and have been evacuated and are now under hospital care,” said AHY at Bekasi Timur Station on Tuesday (18/4) afternoon. “And, of course, we are making every effort to provide maximum medical handling to save our brothers and sisters who are still being treated at this time,” he added. The tragic accident occurred at Bekasi Timur Train Station after the CommuterLine and the long-distance Argo Bromo Anggrek train collided at Bekasi Timur Station on Monday (27/4) night. Transport Minister (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi is still awaiting the investigation from the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) regarding the train accident. Dudy said the KNKT investigation will objectively and thoroughly uncover the exact cause of the accident. He stated that the Ministry of Transportation is providing space and awaiting the KNKT to conduct an independent investigation so that the results can serve as the basis for comprehensive future evaluations. He assured that the evacuation and victim handling processes are being carried out quickly, in a coordinated manner, and with full caution, considering the safety of victims and personnel on site. “We ask for prayers from the public in the hope that this evacuation process can proceed quickly, safely, prioritising safety, and can save the victims still inside the train,” said Dudy on Tuesday. Chronology of the train accident Based on the initial chronology, the accident incident began when a string of electric rail trains (KRL) on the Bekasi-Cikarang route hit a vehicle at the JPL 85 level crossing. As a result of the incident, the KRL string had to be evacuated and designated as an Extraordinary Journey (PLB) with code 5181 because it stopped and operated outside the regular schedule. As a consequence, personnel stopped another KRL string with code PLB 5568 heading to Cikarang at the Bekasi Timur Station platform. However, the Argo Bromo Anggrek train (KA 4) on the Jakarta-Surabaya route did not manage to stop completely, leading to the incident with the stationary KA PLB 5568.