JAKARTA (AA) – A commuter train has smashed into a minibus on a level crossing in Indonesia’s capital leaving 18 people dead.
Jakarta Police Senior Commissioner Musyafak told Kompas.com that all of those who lost their lives Sunday were on the bus, while six other passengers are being treated for injuries.
“Initially the death toll was 13, but then it grew to 16. According to the latest data 18 people have now died,” he said.
Jakarta Police spokesperson Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal said in a statement that the deaths occurred when the bus shot through the crossing just as the gate was closing, the train smashing into the vehicle and pushing it around 200 meters (656 feet) along the track.
“The crossing gate was not fully closed, only three-quarters, so the bus tried to squeeze through,” he said.
He described surviving passengers as saying that the train was only 50 meters away, but even though they screamed to warn him he ignored their cries.
Some of those who died were thrown from the bus while others perished under the train.
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