Train Strikes Fortuner in Asahan, North Sumatra: Two Children Killed and Driver in Critical Condition
The Putri Deli train operating on the Medan–Tanjungbalai route struck a Toyota Fortuner on Jalan Budi Utomo, Siumbut-umbut subdistrict, Kisaran Timur district, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra.
The incident resulted in the deaths of two children, whilst the vehicle's driver sustained serious injuries.
Asahan Police Traffic Unit chief AKP Jonni Sinaga said the accident occurred when the vehicle carrying the victims was struck by the train at an unguarded level crossing without barrier gates.
Two children aged 12 and 6 who were inside the vehicle died at the scene.
"Traffic unit officers from the Asahan Police who received the report immediately proceeded to the location. All three victims were residents of Asahan Regency. As a result of the incident, two victims died at the scene, whilst the driver sustained serious injuries and was evacuated to hospital," he said on Monday (16 February).
Separately, acting Public Relations Manager of KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, said the incident occurred at an ungated level crossing at kilometre 159+3/4 on the track section between Kisaran Station and Tanjungbalai Station on Sunday (15 February) at 11.22 local time.
"KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra extends its deepest condolences to the victims over this incident at the level crossing in the Asahan Regency area," said Anwar Yuli.
Anwar stated that warnings had been issued directly to the driver of the Toyota Fortuner bearing registration number BK 1676 VAA before the train passed. Despite the locomotive horn being sounded repeatedly as a warning signal, the vehicle continued to advance, making the incident unavoidable.
"We urge all road users to always give priority to train journeys and to stop briefly when crossing level crossings for the sake of collective safety," he said.
According to Anwar, following the incident, the train driver immediately halted the train to conduct a thorough inspection of the rolling stock to ensure journey safety.
After being declared safe and roadworthy, the Putri Deli train resumed its journey towards Tanjungbalai Station.
"Although there was some damage to the locomotive and carriages, KAI is grateful that all crew members and passengers of the Putri Deli train were safe and uninjured," Anwar said.
The incident resulted in the deaths of two children, whilst the vehicle's driver sustained serious injuries.
Asahan Police Traffic Unit chief AKP Jonni Sinaga said the accident occurred when the vehicle carrying the victims was struck by the train at an unguarded level crossing without barrier gates.
Two children aged 12 and 6 who were inside the vehicle died at the scene.
"Traffic unit officers from the Asahan Police who received the report immediately proceeded to the location. All three victims were residents of Asahan Regency. As a result of the incident, two victims died at the scene, whilst the driver sustained serious injuries and was evacuated to hospital," he said on Monday (16 February).
Separately, acting Public Relations Manager of KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, said the incident occurred at an ungated level crossing at kilometre 159+3/4 on the track section between Kisaran Station and Tanjungbalai Station on Sunday (15 February) at 11.22 local time.
"KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra extends its deepest condolences to the victims over this incident at the level crossing in the Asahan Regency area," said Anwar Yuli.
Anwar stated that warnings had been issued directly to the driver of the Toyota Fortuner bearing registration number BK 1676 VAA before the train passed. Despite the locomotive horn being sounded repeatedly as a warning signal, the vehicle continued to advance, making the incident unavoidable.
"We urge all road users to always give priority to train journeys and to stop briefly when crossing level crossings for the sake of collective safety," he said.
According to Anwar, following the incident, the train driver immediately halted the train to conduct a thorough inspection of the rolling stock to ensure journey safety.
After being declared safe and roadworthy, the Putri Deli train resumed its journey towards Tanjungbalai Station.
"Although there was some damage to the locomotive and carriages, KAI is grateful that all crew members and passengers of the Putri Deli train were safe and uninjured," Anwar said.