Aceh Hebat Ferry Explodes, 14 Suffer Burns

The KMP Aceh Hebat 2, which was docked at Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh, exploded on Friday (12/6). The incident occurred around 11:55 a.m. Western Indonesia Time. The explosion, followed by a fire in the ship’s engine room, caused 14 people to suffer burn injuries and they were immediately taken to the Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital.

Information obtained from the captain of the KN Kresna vessel, Supriyadi, stated that the number of burn victims is estimated to be around 14 people. The majority of the victims are cadets from the Shipping Polytechnic (Poltekpel) who were undergoing practical training on board the ship.

“The burn victims number around 14 people, the majority are Poltekpel cadets who were doing practical work. All victims have been taken to the dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital (RSUDZA),” Supriyadi told reporters.

Several crew members from the KN Kresna who were at the port assisted in the evacuation process following the incident. The victims were then evacuated using ambulances to receive intensive care.

As of the time this report was filed, the exact cause of the explosion and fire in the engine room of the KMP Aceh Hebat 2 is still under investigation. “Currently, we are still looking into the chronology of the incident,” said Supriyadi.