Four passengers, including a two-year-old girl and a 10-year-old child, died when their car collided with a train at a level crossing in Central Java province, Indonesia [1]. The car carried nine people. The driver failed to see the oncoming train due to thick fog, according to authorities [1]. Upon impact, the car was flung about 20 meters before hitting a pole and flipping into a nearby rice field [1]. The driver and other passengers were injured in the crash [1].
The accident comes days after a separate train collision in West Java killed 16 women and injured at least 90 others. On Monday, a long-distance train crashed into the last carriage of a stationary commuter train near Bekasi Timur station [1]. President Prabowo Subianto attributed that crash to unsafe level crossings and ordered a nationwide upgrade that includes guard posts or flyovers to improve safety [1].
The Central Java crash marks the second deadly train incident in days, renewing calls for faster implementation of safety improvements. The government has pledged nationwide level crossing upgrades following the recent tragedies. Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.
Emergency services have been responding to the Central Java crash, assisting injured survivors and managing the accident site. The authorities continue to monitor travel safety measures, particularly in areas prone to fog and poor visibility.
Local officials are expected to review progress on level crossing upgrades in the coming weeks as part of government efforts to prevent further casualties.
