Three Students Died in Batang Argo Merbabu Train  

Illustration - PT KAI and Transportation Service officers together with the train lovers community spread a banner during the socialization of safety and security of train travel/ANTARA FOTO/Siswowidodo/YU

PT Kereta Api Indonesia Daerah Operasi 4 Semarang informed that three students died due to the Argo Merbabu train while they were taking a selfie around the train track of GOR Sarengat Batang Regency, Central Java, Saturday.

Public Relations Manager of PT KAI Daop 4 Semarang Luqman Arifmengatakan, after the three students were tempered, the Argo Merbabu train had to stop for an extraordinary inspection of the facilities.

"After being declared safe by the railway personnel, the train departed again at 07.09 WIB," said Luqmandi Batang as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, February 21.

The three students who died in the Argo Merbabu KA train accident were Isnati Sawita (15), Dila (15), and Gita (15), all residents of Kasepihan Village, Batang District.

Luqman conveyed his condolences and concern over the accident. "KAI Daop 4 Semarang is also concerned and regrets this incident," he said.

PT KAI Daop 4 Semarang reminds the public not to carry out activities on the railway line in accordance with Law Number 23 of 2007 concerning Railways.

According to Luqman, his party continues to carry out safety socialization at schools and communities as an effort to prevent similar accidents.

"This tragedy is a stark reminder that train tracks are not a place to play, let alone a selfie location," he added.

At a number of points in the Batang area, the train tracks are often a place for young people to gather during Ramadan because the location is open and there is little supervision.

The post guard at the Sarengat GOR crossing, Batang, Ramelan said along the location there was a big risk because the train was traveling at high speed and often without a long horn sound.

"Therefore, we hope that parents will remind their children to stay away from train tracks. The tracks are a death trap, if you're not careful, there won't be any more victims," he said.