Two die, dozens injured in train crash

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A passenger train rammed into another train in Rawa Bambu, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, early Thursday evening, killing at least two people and injuring dozens of others, three of whom are in a critical condition.

A woman identified as Nuryani, 43, was killed on the spot, while an unidentified man died shortly after arriving at the Siaga Hospital in Pasar Minggu.

However, a witness quoted by Detikcom said that he had brought four dead bodies to Pasar Rebo hospital in East Jakarta after the accident.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI)'s director for the Greater Jakarta area, Rahmadi, said that the accident took place at around 6 p.m., when the Pakuan Express train, which was heading for Jakarta from Bogor, was suddenly hit from behind by a local suburban train.

Rahmadi explained that another train, No. 221, had stopped near Tanjung Barat railway station because of engine trouble.

"The Pakuan Express stopped not far behind train No. 221 to allow it to have its engine repaired. A suburban train then slammed into the rear of the Pakuan Express," Rahmadi said.

"We don't know why the suburban train didn't stop as the light must have been red there. It could be caused by human error or mechanical problems. We will look into the case," Rahmadi said.

At 7:30 Pakuan Express was moved to Bukit Duri station in South Jakarta, but the suburban train was badly damaged in the crash and could not be moved.

Dozens of injured people were brought to Siaga and Fatmawati hospitals in South Jakarta and Pasar Rebo hospital in East Jakarta.

South Jakarta police precinct chief Sr. Comr. Guffron said that the train drivers involved in the accident had been detained for questioning.

"We have detained them. We need them to explain what happened," he told The Jakarta Post, while refusing to reveal their identities.

Guffron said that at least 59 people were injured in the incident -- 39 people were taken to Pasar Rebo hospital, 10 to Fatmawati hospital and 10 to Siaga hospital.

Rahmadi said they were still counting the number of people killed or injured in the accident.

"We have evacuated most of the injured people. Our officers at the scene are still counting how many people were injured or killed. We hope that we can move the wrecked cars as quickly as possible so that the line can reopen," he told the Post.