BEKASI, Indonesia — A long-distance train rear-ended a commuter train at Bekasi Timur Station late Monday, killing four people and injuring 38 others, officials said.
The collision occurred around 8:55 p.m. local time on April 27 when the Argo Bromo Anggrek, an intercity train traveling from Gambir in Jakarta toward Surabaya, struck the rear of a stopped KRL Commuter Line train at the station in Bekasi, West Java province, east of the capital.
Vice President of Corporate Communication for state railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Anne Purba, said four passengers from the commuter train were confirmed dead, while 38 others were evacuated to hospitals for treatment. All 240 passengers aboard the Argo Bromo Anggrek were evacuated safely, she added.
Local police and rescue teams responded to the scene, where the impact caused severe damage to the rear carriages of the commuter train. Images from the site showed emergency personnel searching through the wreckage and transporting injured individuals on stretchers to nearby facilities, including RSUD Kota Bekasi, Primaya Hospital Bekasi Timur, RSU Bella, and Mitra Plumbon Cibitung.
Purba stated that authorities were prioritizing the evacuation of remaining passengers and crew, as well as medical care for the injured. Details on the exact condition of those hospitalized remained unclear as of early Tuesday.
The cause of the accident has not been determined, and an investigation is underway, officials said. No immediate comment was available from transport safety regulators.
The incident prompted KAI to cancel several long-distance train services on April 27 and 28, including routes such as the Argo Muria and Argo Sindoro, with alternative bus transportation arranged for affected passengers.
Rail accidents, though infrequent, have occurred on Indonesia’s network in the past. In January 2024, a similar collision in West Java killed four crew members and injured dozens of others.
As of Tuesday morning, rescue operations continued at the station, with focus on clearing the tracks and restoring services where possible. Further updates on casualties and the investigation were expected from KAI and police authorities.
