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Rescuers have finished removing victims from a damaged commuter train car after a crash outside Indonesia’s capital killed 15 people, all of whom were women.
The death toll was confirmed Tuesday after rescue crews completed their search for trapped victims.
The women died when a long-distance train collided with a stationary commuter service outside Jakarta on Monday. The collision occurred at Bekasi Timur Station when a long-distance train struck the rear of the stopped commuter service.
The victims were inside a car designated for women only, a common accommodation to stop harassment.
In addition to the deceased, 88 people were taken to hospitals for treatment, according to Bobby Rasyidin, CEO of state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia. The bodies of those killed have been transported to a hospital for identification.
Passengers are seen being rescued after the train crash in Bekasi, Indonesia (AP)
Mr Rasyidin stated: “We are currently ensuring that all victims receive the best possible care.”
Rescue teams concluded the evacuation of all victims from the wreckage by mid-morning on Tuesday. Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, confirmed: “There are no further casualties.”
All 240 passengers aboard the Argo Bromo Anggrek long-distance train were reported safe.
Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri addressing reporters at the scene.
The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation indicated in a written statement that authorities believe the incident began when another commuter train hit a stalled taxi near Bekasi Timur Station.
Workers and rescuers examine the wreckage following the collision (AP)
This initial event reportedly led to the second commuter train stopping at the station, where it was subsequently struck by the long-distance service.
Mr Rasyidin added: “As for the chronology of events, we are leaving it to the National Transportation Safety Committee to investigate the cause of tonight’s train accident in greater detail.”
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about Indonesia’s aging railroad network, which has a history of accidents.
In January 2024, a separate collision between two trains in West Java province resulted in at least four deaths.
