At least 14 people have been killed and dozens injured following a collision between two trains near Jakarta, Indonesian authorities said, as rescue teams continue operations at the crash site.
The accident occurred close to Bekasi Timur station, around 25 kilometres east of the capital. A long-distance train struck the rear carriage of a stationary commuter train as passengers were preparing to disembark.
Passengers trapped in crushed carriage
The impact caused severe damage to the final carriage—reportedly reserved for women—where all fatalities occurred. Emergency crews worked through the night to cut through wreckage and free trapped passengers, with at least two people initially reported still stuck inside.
Survivors described scenes of panic and chaos. One passenger said travellers were “crammed together, crushed on top of each other,” fearing suffocation in the aftermath of the collision.
Conflicting casualty reports
Officials initially reported lower figures, but the death toll has since risen to at least 14, with dozens more injured. All 240 passengers aboard the long-distance train were safely evacuated, according to the state railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia.
Investigation underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The incident adds to ongoing concerns about rail safety and infrastructure capacity in one of Southeast Asia’s busiest urban regions.