SBY orders police to investigate train conflagration

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered the National Police to help police in Banten investigate a train fire in Lebak early Monday.

Hundreds of local residents helped firefighters extinguish the blaze, which destroyed 21 train cars in Rangkasbitung Station.

Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi said Monday afternoon that the President gave the order at a meeting at the President’s office earlier in the day.

“We need to thoroughly investigate how this happened, and whether the fire was set intentionally,” Freddy said. “How could the fire spread through 21 stationary train cars?”