13 DEAD, 38 INJURED AFTER NICKLE PROCESSING PLANT IN INDONESIA EXPLODES
Tragedy struck Sulawesi, eastern Indonesia, on December 24, as a devastating explosion at a nickel processing plant claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals and left 38 others injured. In this article, we delve into the incident’s background, the sequence of events leading to the explosion, casualties, and injuries, as well as the aftermath and the broader context of the nickel industry in Indonesia.
Background of the Incident
The ill-fated incident occurred at approximately 5:30 am at a plant owned by Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel in the Morowali Industrial Park. As reported by CNA, repair work on a furnace was in progress when a flammable liquid ignited, triggering a chain of events that led to a catastrophic explosion.
Furnace Repair and Flammable Liquid Ignition
Repair work on the furnace became the unfortunate catalyst for the disaster. The ignition of a flammable liquid set in motion a tragic series of events that unfolded in the early hours of the day.
The force of the explosion extended beyond the initial ignition, causing nearby oxygen tanks to detonate. This compounded the severity of the incident, creating a more challenging situation for emergency responders.
Duration and Fire Extinguishment
Efforts to contain the situation and extinguish the fire spanned several hours. Reuters reported that the fire was successfully put out at 9:10 am, marking the end of a harrowing ordeal for those involved.
Casualties and Injuries, Number of Lives Lost and Nationalities
Dedy Kurniawan, a spokesperson for Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park, confirmed the heartbreaking loss of 13 lives. Among the victims were eight Indonesians and five foreign workers, all of whom were Chinese nationals.
The toll on human life extended further, with 38 individuals sustaining injuries of varying degrees. These victims are currently receiving medical attention, with the gravity of injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Visuals of the Aftermath
Graphic footage surfaced on social media platforms, providing a chilling glimpse into the aftermath of the explosion. Videos on X/Twitter depicted workers assisting the injured, their bodies covered in ashes and visible injuries, against the backdrop of a still-burning factory.
Breaking News
Pagi tadi, terjadi ledakan di tungku smelter nikel PT ITSS di areal PT IMIP, Morowali, Sulawesi Tengah. Sebanyak 12 orang tewas, puluhan lainnya mengalami luka bakar.https://t.co/vT9CDnTnmg. pic.twitter.com/ANEd9uQUKq— JATAM Nasional (@jatamnas) December 24, 2023