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Green SM Driver's Account: Engine Died at Crossing, Doors Locked
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

Green SM Driver's Account: Engine Died at Crossing, Doors Locked

From CNN Indonesia · (3h ago) Indonesian Critical tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • An electric taxi, Green SM, stalled on a railway crossing in Bekasi Timur before being hit by a KRL train.
  • The driver attempted to exit but initially could not open the doors, eventually escaping through the window with help from bystanders.
  • Investigators are examining the cause of the vehicle's sudden stop, considering factors like electrical system failure or electromagnetic interference.

A harrowing incident involving an electric taxi has brought to light critical safety concerns at railway crossings. The driver of a Green SM electric taxi recounted the terrifying moments when the vehicle stalled on the tracks in Bekasi Timur, just before a KRL train collided with it. The driver's account reveals a desperate struggle to escape the vehicle, with doors initially jammed, forcing an unconventional exit through the window.

At the time it was brought, the vehicle stalled on a level crossing on the railway line. When the driver wanted to get out, he couldn't open the door.

— Kombes Budi HermantoThe Head of Public Relations for the Metro Jaya Police described the initial moments of the incident, emphasizing the driver's difficulty in exiting the vehicle.

This event underscores the vulnerability of road users at level crossings, particularly when vehicle malfunctions occur. The driver's successful escape, aided by vigilant citizens, is a testament to community support in emergencies. However, the incident raises serious questions about vehicle safety, especially for newer technologies like electric taxis, and the adequacy of safety protocols at such high-risk locations.

When the person tried to turn off the vehicle and open it, only then could they lower the car window from the online taxi. So this driver could get out [through the window], selamat from the vehicle with the help of residents around through the driver's car window.

— Kombes Budi HermantoThe police official detailed how the driver eventually managed to escape the stalled taxi with assistance from bystanders.

Authorities are now meticulously investigating the precise cause of the Green SM taxi's failure. The inquiry, involving specialized forensic units, will explore potential technical issues, including electrical system malfunctions or even the impact of electromagnetic fields. The findings will be crucial not only for understanding this specific accident but also for informing future safety standards for electric vehicles operating near railway infrastructure. The tragic consequences of this incident, which followed another collision involving a KRL and a passenger train, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive safety reviews.

This is still being investigated, whether it is the impact of magnetic fields, electric fields on the online taxi car. This is still being investigated by Puslabfor, and also being investigated by KNKT in parallel. This team is still working to investigate.

— Kombes Budi HermantoThe police spokesperson explained that the investigation into the cause of the vehicle stalling is ongoing and involves multiple expert bodies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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