A train crash occurred on July 26, 2022 when a Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Lokal Merak train crashed into an odong-odong (a vehicle resembling a bus that carries people, most often children, for amusement purposes) at a level crossing in Serang, Banten, Indonesia on Tuesday morning, causing at least one odong-odong to be overturned. At least nine people were killed (including three children) and another 24 were wounded in the crash.

This was also the first fatal accident involving a train colliding with an odong-odong in history.^[1]

Accident

A KAI Lokal Merak passenger train heading to Rangkasbitung crashes with an odong-odong that was obstructing a level crossing from Walantaka to Kragilan at Silebu, Serang, Indonesia. It was reported that it loaded more than 20 people while intentionally obstructing the level crossing.^[2] Extensive damage was caused to the rear of the odong-odong.

9 people were killed and 24 were injured. 6 of those killed were women. 3 children were the other fatality.^[3]

Investigation

The driver face charges of negligent homicide and causing actual bodily harm by negligence,^[4] which carries a penalty of six to twelve years in prison.^[5]

Investigators determined that the cause of the accident was the driver's carelessness before the crash. He was also known for playing very loud music too.^[6] It was also confirmed that the odong-odong was banned from any public roads due to safety reasons.^[7]

Aftermath

The tragedy was one of a series of multiple-casualty accidents on Indonesia's overcrowded and undermaintained railway system. The director of KAI commented that no gate was installed at the crossing due to the low frequency of trains on the route, while assuring that it would look into the matter.

In addition, prior to this incident, residents had improved the crossing by adding only crossing gates.^[8]

References