In a devastating incident in Indonesia’s West Java province on Friday, a train collision resulted in the loss of four lives and left 42 individuals injured. Local authorities are now diligently investigating the cause of the crash that occurred at 6:03 a.m. near the provincial capital of Bandung, according to Reuters.
The collision claimed the lives of four individuals, all crew members, according to Ibrahim Tompo, a spokesperson for West Java province police. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives as they were squeezed between carriages. Additionally, 42 passengers sustained injuries during the incident.
Video footage from broadcasters MetroTV and Kompas TV depicted the aftermath of the collision, with passengers being assisted out of train carriages. Some carriages were visibly derailed, adding complexity to rescue efforts.
Investigation into the Cause
As the rescue and recovery efforts unfold, the cause of the train collision remains unclear. Both the train operator, PT KAI, and the provincial government have committed to a thorough investigation, collaborating with transport safety officials to determine the factors that led to the tragic incident.
Ambulances swiftly responded to the collision, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. The local police and emergency services worked together to manage the aftermath and provide immediate medical attention to those affected.
Ibrahim Tompo noted the challenges faced in the rescue operation, highlighting that one body could not be evacuated due to being buried in the debris from the train cars.
Past Incidents
The recent collision adds to a series of unfortunate train accidents in Indonesia. In December of the previous year, a commuter line collided with a car near Bandung, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. In November, another tragic incident occurred when a collision between a train and a minibus in East Java province claimed the lives of 11 people.
Land transport accidents, including train collisions, are unfortunately common in Indonesia. The country has witnessed similar tragedies in the past, with a train crash in 2010 claiming 36 lives, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent years.
Images source: Metro TV and @merapi_uncover on X