4 Workers on TB Simatupang Building Project Found Dead Without Using PPE

Jakarta - Four workers who died inside a water storage tank at a building under construction on Jalan TB Simatupang, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, were not using personal protective equipment (PPE) when their bodies were found by police.

“Based on the initial crime scene processing by the on-duty officers, at the time of the incident at the scene, those workers were not using PPE,” said the Head of the Special Criminal Unit of the South Jakarta Police Resort, AKP Indra Darmawan, to reporters at the South Jakarta Metro Police Station on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

The four workers, initials YN (32), MW (62), TS (63), and MF (19), are believed to have inhaled gas inside the water storage tank until they died. Three other workers also inhaled the same gas, causing them to experience shortness of breath.

“The results will be informed once available,” said Indra.

Examinations are not only being conducted by the police. The DKI Jakarta Manpower Agency and the Ministry of Manpower are also testing samples from the water.

The investigation process is ongoing. Two foremen have been questioned, and next, the building owner will be asked for information regarding the building permit on Thursday (9/4/2026).

Previously reported, four construction project workers on Jalan TB Simatupang, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, died in a work accident on Friday morning (3/4/2026).

The four victims who died have initials YN (32), MW (62), TS (63), and MF (19).

Meanwhile, three other workers are believed to have inhaled gas from inside the water storage tank, leading to shortness of breath. They are U (41), AJ (37), and S (63).

“True, there was a discovery of bodies this afternoon. They are currently being autopsied,” said Iskandar to Kompas.com on Friday.

The Jagakarsa Police Chief, AKP Nurma Dewi, explained that the incident began when one worker had an accident by falling into the clean water storage tank or gelonteng while dismantling its cover.

One of his colleagues who tried to provide assistance instead also fell into the hole.

The situation worsened when other workers attempted evacuation in turns.

According to the statement of one witness with initials DPA, who was also ordered to help with the evacuation, the conditions around the storage tank hole felt abnormal.

“During the evacuation of the victim, the witness felt heat and stuffiness around the gelonteng,” said Nurma, quoting the witness’s statement.