Turangga Train Collision; Expert Warns of Single-Track Railways
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5 January 2024 19:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Vice Head of Strengthen and Development of Region of the Indonesian Transportation Society or MTI Djoko Setijowarno responded to the clash of two trains in Cijalengka, Bandung Regency between Turangga Train (KA Turangga) and the Greater Bandung Local Commuter Line. The crash occurred this morning at around 06:03 WIB (Western Indonesia Time).
Djoko urged the state-owned railways company PT KAI and relevant parties to examine the single-track railway often used in Cijalengka Station. According to him, single-track railways are at greater risk of collision.
“Thus, sending off trains from the station [with single track] must be extra careful, ensure the planned track is free from other trains until the next station,” he told Tempo on Friday.
When asked about the initial cause of the collision, Djoko said each train crash has unique factors, making it difficult to conclude the cause of this morning’s collision. Moreover, he said, most railways have implemented double tracks.
Earlier, PT KAI announced that all passengers in both trains survived the collision between KA Turangga and the Greater Bandung Local Commuter Line.
KA Turangga boarded 287 passengers while the commuter line boarded 191 passengers. Around 22 were lightly injured in the collision, with 18 treated in Cicalengka Hospital, 2 in Edelweiss Hospital, and 2 in AMC Hospital.
PT KAI expressed its regrets over the incident and its condolences over the death of four train officers, including the train driver, the assistant train driver, a steward, and the security.
“We deeply regret the death of several train officers due to the collision. We greatly appreciate their service and contribution to the company,” EVP of Corporate Secretary of KAI Raden Agus Dwinanto Budiaji said in a statement.
So far, surviving passengers have been evacuated and directed to the nearest stations to continue their trips.
YOHANES MAHARSO | MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI
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