Incident Overview
The Derailment & Overturn involving KA Tjepat 31 (relasi Banjar–Bandung) & Lokomotif Penolong occurred on 28 May 1959 at 07:30 WIB. The recorded incident site is located at Km 242+5/6 section St. Trowek (Cirahayu)–St. Cipeundeuy, West Java, within the operational territory of Daop 4 Semarang (Semarang Operation Region).
Based on verified operational records: Anjlokan & trainset Larat: trainset KA 31 meluncur tak terkendali dan terguling akibat miskomunikasi kru atau lepasnya sambungan saat pemisahan Locomotive penolong.
Track Characteristics & Operational Corridor
The incident location is situated along the track section or station perimeter of Km 242+5/6 section St. Trowek (Cirahayu)–St. Cipeundeuy, West Java. Railway lines across Daop 4 Semarang (Semarang Operation Region) represent active corridors with steady passenger and freight traffic. Train operations are governed by statutory right-of-way principles outlined in national railway operational codes. At level crossings and station yards, traffic safety strictly relies on signaling obedience, level crossing warning devices, and road user compliance with rail right-of-way regulations.
Rolling Stock Involved & Recorded Impact
Recorded casualty impact in this event encompasses 185 fatalities and 200 injuries requiring medical care.
Rolling stock and fleet formations identified in official documentation include: Rangkaian kereta penumpang KA 31 & 1 unit Locomotive uap penolong dari St. Cipeundeuy. Post-incident emergency responses were carried out by regional railway operational teams and local emergency services, encompassing safety evacuations, physical structural assessments of locomotives and carriages, track clearing, and restoration of signaling infrastructure.
Safety Regulations & Statutory Context
This technical documentation is compiled as part of Indonesia's national railway safety public archive. In accordance with Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 23 of 2007 concerning Railways (UU No. 23/2007), railway safety is a shared responsibility covering rolling stock airworthiness, track infrastructure integrity, train crew operational discipline, and public adherence at level crossings to safeguard safe and orderly transportation.