Jakarta. Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno called for tighter monitoring at railway crossings following a deadly train collision in Bekasi, part of Greater Jakarta.

Rano said improved on-site supervision is critical to preventing similar accidents, adding that several crossings in the capital remain open.

“In Jakarta, there are still some railway crossings that have not been fully closed, but at least personnel are now on duty,” Rano said in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, on Wednesday.

He added that authorities must focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of such incidents. “This is something we need to continue evaluating,” he said.

Preliminary findings suggest the crash was triggered by a series of events beginning at a level crossing in the Bulak Kapal area. According to state railway company KAI’s Jakarta spokesman, Franoto Wibowo, a taxi collided with a Jakarta-bound commuter train (KRL), forcing it to stop on the tracks. Another train heading to Cikampek also halted alongside the Jakarta-bound train.

Moments later, the intercity Argo Bromo Anggrek, traveling on the same line, struck the Cikampek-bound commuter train from behind.

As part of preventive measures, Rano said the Jakarta administration is accelerating the construction of flyovers to separate road traffic from railway lines and reduce the risk of accidents at crossings.

The crash, which occurred in East Bekasi, West Java, has drawn national attention. The death toll has risen to 16 after a critically injured patient died following surgery at a regional hospital.

The latest fatality was among patients treated at RSUD dr. Chasbullah Abdulmadjid, where dozens of victims remain under care. Hospital officials said 22 injured patients are still being treated, including three in intensive care.

In total, authorities recorded 54 victims, comprising 16 fatalities, three patients referred to other facilities, 21 still undergoing treatment, and 26 who have been discharged.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi said the provincial government will cover all medical expenses for the victims. The administration has also allocated Rp20 billion ($1.15 million) in stimulus funding to improve facilities at hospitals handling the injured.