A driver was tragically killed when a train slammed into his car at a level crossing in Indonesia.

Rochim Mustadi, 40, had been driving with his wife and child across the railroad tracks in Bekasi Regency, West Java province, on June 21 when the vehicle's engine suddenly died.

As the Argo Sindoro train thundered closer, the woman and the youngster both fled the car while Rochim was left behind desperately trying to start it back up.

Residents screamed at him to run quickly, but it was too late as the speeding locomotive plowed into his Toyota Avanza, dragging it nearly a kilometre away from the crash site.

Footage shows the black car which was crumpled like a tin can as it was pushed along the railway. Rochim reportedly died at the scene.

Crossing guard Bambang Suherman, 51, said: 'The car stopped in the middle of the tracks and the engine died. There were three people in the car, two others managed to get out before the collision occurred.'

Officers towed the demolished vehicle after an arduous evacuation process that took about 1.5 hours. Inspector Carmin, Head of the Bekasi Metro Police Traffic Accident Unit, said: 'The problem is that there were many cables. The road was narrow and only light trucks can pass. The big ones could't enter.'

Rochim's body has been taken to a hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Investigations found that Rochim and his wife were cadres of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), an Islamist political party in Indonesia.

PKS Bekasi Regency Secretary Uryan Riana said: 'His projects are now active in South Cikarang. He has been active in PKS for almost 10 years.

'He and his wife would often participate in humanitarian social activities.'

Carmin said an investigation into the accident will be conducted. He also urged the public to be more careful when driving along train crossings without barriers.