Train ram stalled minibus

JAKARTA (JP): A Cirebon-bound express train from Jatinegara station smashed into a public minibus stalled on the tracks at Pondok Kopi, East Jakarta, on Tuesday morning.

There were no injuries because all the T-24 minibus passengers and the driver had alighted after it broke down.

But the minibus was severely damaged and incident caused heavy traffic congestion in the area when onlookers and motorists crowded the site.

A railway attendant said the minibus stalled when it reached Jl. Tanjakan, heading to Penggilingan, near the train's level crossing.

There was already traffic congestion when the vehicle experienced problems, Hanafi said.

"A traffic police officer then took the initiative to drag it a few meters away and fix the vehicle there.

"However, after the vehicle was dragged to reach the railway track, it became more difficult to haul it backward."

The speeding train was spotted in the distance.

"I then ran toward the train and from a distance of about 300 meters away, I signaled for the train to stop," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

However, the train's engineer was unable to brake and the minibus was reportedly dragged 100 meters.

The minibus driver and his conductor fled in different directions when they saw the oncoming train. (emf)