Signal, communication problems caused Indonesia’s deadly train collision, says report

On April 27, a deadly train collision occurred near Jakarta, Indonesia, claiming 16 lives and injuring 107 others. A report from the transportation safety committee revealed that signal and communication issues were the primary factors contributing to the tragedy. The collision occurred between a commuter train and a long-distance train at Bekasi Timur Station in Bekasi, West Java.

Tragically, the commuter train had previously been involved in an accident with an electric taxi, forcing it to halt at a crossing before the incident. The report highlighted a signalling fault between Bekasi and Bekasi Timur stations. The long-distance train, responding to a green departure signal, failed to receive any additional warnings to slow down.

A critical issue was the lack of a yellow signal indication for the long-distance train driver, informing them that the next signal ahead was showing red. The delay in receiving this crucial information proved fatal. Additionally, there was a significant delay of three minutes and 20 seconds between the commuter train driver reporting the intersection with the electric taxi and the control centre staff being able to hear the driver clearly.

The report also emphasized the poor visibility of signals due to light pollution and damaged windshields. Furthermore, the long-distance train driver had not received training in emergency braking situations, further compounding the safety concerns.