A fire and powerful explosion on a crude palm oil tanker at an Indonesian shipyard resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and injured 21 others on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Batam Island while repair workers were on board the vessel.
Incident Details and Casualties
- The fire reportedly broke out in the vessel’s gas tank, followed by a powerful blast.
- The explosion killed at least 10 people.
- Twenty-one others were rushed to nearby hospitals with burn injuries, with four in critical condition.
- The vessel, which was built in 2009, was undergoing repairs at the shipyard facility in the Tanjunguncang seaport.
Investigation and Precedent
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire and explosion. A key focus of the inquiry is why a similar, fatal incident occurred on the very same tanker just four months prior.
- Prior Incident: A similar accident in June on the vessel killed four people and injured five others.
- Cause of Prior Incident: The June fire was attributed to sparks from welding activity, with most victims dying from smoke inhalation.
- Current Focus: Police are investigating the possibility of negligence on the part of the shipyard operator.
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Source: AP News
