Viral Video of KA Probowangi Locomotive Spewing Fire, KAI Provides Explanation

Social media was abuzz with a circulating video showing a train locomotive emitting a burst of fire as it passed through the Jember area. The incident involved the KA Probowangi on Sunday (30/3) around 18:40 WIB. While passing between Kalibaru and Mrawan stations, the underside of the locomotive appeared to produce large sparks in the midst of drizzly weather. However, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daop 9 Jember refuted claims of a fire on their fleet. Manager of Law and Public Relations for Daop 9 Jember, Cahyo Widiantoro, stressed that the fire was a technical effect from wheel friction due to slippery rails. “We need to clarify that the sparks seen in the video are not fire from a blaze, but rather the effect of wheel friction with the rail during slip handling. This is a technical phenomenon that can occur and was successfully managed by the crew according to procedure,” said Cahyo on Saturday (4/4). Cahyo explained that the KA Probowangi was experiencing wheel slip at the time. This happened because the wheels lost grip (adhesion) on the wet rails after the drizzle. To address this, the driver took tactical action to restore friction so the train could resume moving. The intense friction between the metal wheel and rail created a visual resembling fire under the locomotive. KAI assured that, although it looked alarming in the circulating video, the situation was fully under control and posed no danger to passengers or the train’s journey overall. “KAI Daop 9 Jember ensures that passenger safety and security is always the top priority. Despite technical challenges in the field, all operational teams followed procedures swiftly and accurately, allowing the journey to continue safely,” he stated. Cahyo added that the train quickly returned to normal speed after the issue was resolved. KAI also asked the public not to be easily swayed by unverified rumours on social media. “We continue to strive to provide transportation services that are not only safe but also comfortable for all customers,” he concluded.