Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - State-run railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) said on Wednesday that it is conducting a thorough investigation into the Argo Semeru train's derailment on the Surabaya Gubeng-Gambir route.

The train derailed at KM 520+4 at the crossing between Sentolo and Wates stations in Kulon Progo district of Yogyakarta on Tuesday (October 17, 2023).

"We are coordinating with the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) to investigate the cause of the train's derailment," said Didiek Hartantyo, President Director of KAI, in Kulon Progo.

KAI has investigated the driver of Argo Semeru train and the driver of Argo Wilis train, which brushed past it soon after the derailment, resulting in both rail tracks getting blocked and both trains suffering damage.

Based on a preliminary investigation, the Argo Wilis train driver had time to brake, but the distance was too close, making the accident unavoidable, Hartantyo informed.

"We do not want to conclude the cause of the incident yet. The condition of the train is also roadworthy, and all procedures have been carried out," he added.

However, his party is continuing to investigate the cause of the Argo Semeru train's derailment.

"We will continue to investigate this incident and monitor train activity after the incident," he said.

Hartantyo said that 32 passengers on the Argo Semeru train needed treatment, while 28 others experienced shock but were sent home later.

He added that four passengers were rushed to the hospital. Three of them were already discharged and the other one remained hospitalized due to a head injury.

Erni Basri, Director of Railway Safety at the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation, said that she could not provide more details since the investigation was still going on.

"All train activities always run according to procedures. Train drivers have also been trained and work according to existing standards," she added.

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Translator: Sutarmi, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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