Nickel Smelter Furnace Explosion Kills 12 People, Wounds Dozens in Morowali

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A work accident occurred at PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), Central Sulawesi, on Sunday morning, December 24, 2023. The incident occurred at one of the nickel processing factories or smelters belonging to PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS), one of the Tenants operating at IMIP area.

Head of the Media Relations Division of PT IMIP Dedy Kurniawan said the explosion occurred at around 05:30 WITA (Central Indonesian Time). The incident started when a number of workers were repairing the furnace and installing plates on it.

"The results of the initial investigation, it is estimated that the cause of the explosion was because the bottom of the furnace still contained explosion-inducing liquid. During the repair process, an explosion occurred," said Dedy in a written statement.

Dedy said that at the location there were also many oxygen cylinders used for welding and cutting furnace components. As a result, he said, the first explosion caused several oxygen cylinders in the area to explode.

Dedy said the furnace fire was successfully extinguished at 09:10 WITA. The worker who was the victim was taken to clinics 1 and 2 of PT IMIP. According to information gathered from the IMIP Clinic as of 10:00 WITA, the number of victims was 51 people.

"Twelve of them died and 39 others suffered serious to minor injuries," said Dedy. "The victims who died consisted of 7 workers from Indonesia and 5 foreign workers. Meanwhile, the injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment."

Dedy said that currently PT IMPI continues to coordinate with related parties to investigate and handle victims. As a form of accountability, all treatment costs for victims will be borne by PT IMIP management, including in the form of mourning compensation to the victim's family.

According to Dedy, several victims were identified. "And at the request of the victim's family, their bodies have today been flown to their respective hometowns."

PT IMIP management, continued Dedy, is still coordinating to handle all aspects of the crisis. Starting from employee security and safety alerts, medical clinics, security, and providing information to the public.

"PT IMIP as the company that oversees the Morowali industrial ring area is deeply saddened by this disaster, especially the families of the victims affected by this tragedy," he said.

ANTARA

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