Rescue efforts are ongoing in Bekasi, Indonesia, to reach three individuals still trapped following a deadly train collision. The incident occurred on Monday when a long-distance train collided with a stationary commuter train.

Deadly Collision at Bekasi Timur Station

At least seven people have been killed and 81 injured in the collision at Bekasi Timur Station, outside Jakarta. The impacted car was a women-only section, implemented as a preventative measure against harassment.

Rescue Operation Challenges

According to Bobby Rasyidin, CEO of state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia, 81 injured passengers have been transported to hospitals. Rasyidin stated that the evacuation process is taking longer than anticipated due to the extensive damage to the train car.

Investigation Launched into Accident Cause

All 240 passengers aboard the long-distance train, the Argo Bromo Anggrek, have been accounted for and are safe. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, led by Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri.

Possible Rail Disruption

Rasyidin revealed that another commuter train had struck a stalled taxi near a crossing, raising the possibility of a rail system disruption contributing to the collision. The National Transportation Safety Committee will conduct a detailed investigation.

Ongoing Safety Concerns

Train accidents are not uncommon in Indonesia, where the rail network faces challenges due to aging infrastructure. A similar collision in West Java province in January 2024 resulted in at least four fatalities. This latest incident has renewed concerns about the safety and reliability of Indonesia’s railway system.