KAI Closes Commuter Line's Level Crossing in Depok after Collision

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-owned railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) of Jakarta regional operation (Daop 1) closed a railway level crossing on Jalan Rawa Geni, Cipayung District, Depok City, following a collision between a Commuter Line and a car today morning, April 20.

Head of Public Relations Unit of KAI Daop 1 Jakarta, Eva Chairunisa, confirmed that shortly after the incident, her side blocked the crossing in the area to anticipate a recurrence of a similar incident.

“Related to this morning’s incident [between a train and a car], the illegal crossing was immediately processed for closure,” said Eva to Tempo, Wednesday, April 20.

She explained that the decision was made in coordination with the Directorate of Transportation Safety of the Transportation Ministry and the Depok City Transportation Agency. “KAI Daop 1 Jakarta will fully support all programs of crossing closure in an effort to ensure the public safety and security,” Eva remarked.

As previously reported, a four-wheeled vehicle was dragged by a train for approximately 10 meters while crossing the railway track in Depok this morning. The illegal level crossing was not equipped with a crossbar.

The evacuation process took about four hours, resulting in long traffic congestion on Jalan Raya Citayam which is the main access for Citayam residents to reach Jakarta. In addition, only one lane of the Commuter Line could be used following the incident. Fortunately, the car driver survived.

Read: 5 killed in Tour Bus-train Collision in Tulungagung, East Java

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA