Train in Kediri Nearly Hits Truck After Gatekeeper Falls Asleep, KAI Apologises

A viral video captured the panic of residents as the Brantas train passed through the Simpang Mengkreng level crossing in Purwoasri District, Kediri Regency. In the footage, the crossing barrier was not closed, causing a truck to nearly be hit by the train. The incident occurred at JPL 303A Km 213+705 on the Kertosono-Papar track segment on Wednesday (22/7/2026) at around 01.48 WIB. At that time, the KA 152 Brantas train, travelling from Pasarsenen to Blitar, passed through while the crossing gate remained open.

The video of the incident subsequently spread widely on social media. In the recording, a man’s voice can be heard warning others of the approaching Brantas train. Shortly after, the locomotive passed while sounding its horn repeatedly, as vehicles remained on the tracks because the barrier had not been closed. The video also shows a resident in a black jacket approaching the guard post and knocking on the window to wake the officer inside, while other residents manually directed traffic to prevent vehicles from crossing the tracks.

Responding to the viral video, PT KAI Daop 7 Madiun confirmed the incident. Based on initial examination results, the crossing guard did not follow safety procedures, resulting in the barrier not being closed when the train passed. The guard was subsequently allowed to continue duty under direct supervision from Kertosono Unit 7.3 officers to ensure safety procedures are followed. PT KAI Daop 7 Madiun’s Public Relations Manager, Tohari, issued an apology to the public for the incident and stressed that the safety of train journeys and road users is the company’s top priority, adding that any violation of operational procedures that could pose a safety risk will not be tolerated.