Coal train derails in South Sumatra

By Godang Sitompul & Tri Subhki R

A long coal train went off tracks early Tuesday and hit a cliff in South Sumatra, killing its assistant operator, reports said.

The empty train was on its way from Tarahan in Lampung to Tanjung Enim, in South Sumatra, where a huge coal mine operated by IDX-listed coal mining firm PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) is located.

The accident has forced state-owned railway operator PT KAI to suspend the rail traffic along the route including for coal transport.

State-owned railway company PT KAI confirmed the incident, and is currently investigating the cause of the accident.

PTBA Corporate Secretary Joko Pramono was not immediately available for comment.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak