SBY calls for swift probe of train crash

DUBAI: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono demanded an immediate investigation into the fatal crash of the Kutojaya and Mutiara trains in Banjar, West Java, on Friday.

The President told reporters in Dubai during a layover en route to Jakarta that he was paying “full attention” to the accident, given the spate of accidents plaguing the nation’s railways in the last five years.

“I have asked Vice President [Boediono] to identify the mistakes because accidents occur too frequently. [We must] punish those responsible. This is either a case of human error or poor management,” he was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.

“We must be able to guarantee the safety and comfort of commuters. I’ve been paying attention to the transportation sector because I think there have been too many accidents that shouldn’t have happened.”

The President expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the accident.

The Kutojaya and Mutiara trains collided at the Langensari railway station in Banjar early Friday, killing three people and injuring 23 others. — JP