Man Killed by Siliwangi Train; KAI Urges Public to Stay Away From Tracks

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has issued a strong appeal to residents in Cianjur, West Java, to refrain from activities on or near railway tracks. This comes after a tragic incident on Monday, July 14, where a 52-year-old man, Sopandi, was killed after being struck by the Siliwangi train in Kertasari Village, Haurwangi District.

Kuswardoyo, Public Relations Manager for KAI Daop 2 West Java, confirmed the incident, stating that the victim was walking with his back to the oncoming train. Despite repeated warning whistles from the train's engineer, Sopandi apparently did not hear the signals and was hit by the train traveling from Cipatat towards Cianjur and Sukabumi.

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We will increase socialization so that it is obeyed by the public living along the railway line to avoid undesirable things, including increasing vigilance when crossing at level crossings without barriers.

According to Aipda Teddy Firmansyah, Head of the Traffic Accident Unit at the Bojongpicung Police, Sopandi was walking along the tracks to inspect a water pipe that needed repair. The pipe is located adjacent to the railway line. The collision was severe, throwing the victim approximately 10 meters from the scene.

KAI reiterated that railway lines are strictly for train operations and not for public activities. The company plans to increase public awareness campaigns to prevent future accidents. They also urged increased vigilance at level crossings, especially those without barriers. The victim's body was taken for an autopsy and then handed over to his family for burial in his home village.

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The victim was going to fix a water pipe located next to the railway tracks. At the same time, the Siliwangi train was about to pass from the opposite direction. It is suspected that the victim did not realize the train's arrival, which had sounded its long whistle.