Four killed, many injured as trains collide in Indonesia

At least four people have been killed and many others injured after two trains collided on the outskirts of Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. The accident occurred near the Bekasi Timur station on Monday morning, April 27, local time.

A long-distance train struck a stationary commuter train from behind, causing several carriages to crumple and trapping many passengers inside, according to state media reports.

State railway operator KAI confirmed the four deaths. Company spokesperson Anne Purba said 38 injured people have been hospitalised locally. She expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased.

Deputy Speaker of Indonesia's parliament, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, visited the accident site and said the death toll could rise further. Jakarta Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri said six to seven passengers are still trapped inside the train carriages.

Authorities said rescue efforts are ongoing to free those trapped.

Footage broadcast by local media shows the injured being taken to hospitals on stretchers and rescue workers trying to pull passengers from the mangled train carriages.

The accident rate in Indonesia's public transport system is comparatively high, with outdated infrastructure and poor maintenance often cited as contributing factors. In January last year, several people were killed and many injured in a similar collision between two trains in the Cikalengka area.