Acrid Smoke from Chemical Plant Explosion in Cilegon
An explosion occurred at a chemical plant in Cilegon, Banten, sending up white smoke. The acrid-smelling smoke spread around the plant area. The explosion happened around 2.30pm WIB on Monday, 25 May. Residents reported hearing the blast and sirens, with white smoke filling the vicinity.
“I only felt the explosion and heard sirens. It was from PT MCCI, and the smell was like burning rubber around Gerem,” said local resident Faturrohmi to reporters on Monday, 25 May.
Faturrohmi’s home is approximately 3km from the chemical plant. Residents were alarmed by the loud explosion.
After hearing the blast and seeing the smoke, residents reported the incident to Cilegon City Environment Agency (DLH).
Cilegon City Environment Agency Chief Sabri confirmed the incident, with DLH teams dispatched to investigate.
“Our team has just arrived and there’s no update yet. Based on Mr Faturrohmi’s report of an explosion, there’s no initial information as our team is still on site,” he said.
Residents urged to stay away from chemical plant explosion site
An explosion at the chemical plant in Cilegon produced acrid smoke, prompting authorities to evacuate residents and advise the public to keep away.
Cilegon City Environment Agency Chief Sabri stated that authorities would evacuate nearby residents and prohibited them from approaching the PT Merak Chemicals Indonesia (MCCI) plant area.
“The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has instructed residents through village officials to leave the area,” Sabri said on Monday, 25 May.
One Worker Taken to Health Clinic
An explosion occurred at PT Merak Chemicals Indonesia (MCCI) chemical plant in Cilegon, with one worker, identified as DA, taken to a health clinic due to the incident.
“The information is that DA, a company staff member affected by a water spray or similar, was taken to the health clinic,” said Cilegon Acting Secretary Azis Setia Ade on Monday, 25 May.
DA remains at the health clinic, with Azis yet to receive confirmation on whether he has been referred to a nearby hospital.
“Yes, he’s at the health clinic and we’re still awaiting further reports on whether he’s been referred elsewhere. Initial information suggests he was affected by a spray and taken to the clinic,” he added.
Azis stated there were no reports of civilian casualties so far, with BPBD and DLH teams deployed to the site for further handling.
“No civilian casualties have been reported yet; we’re awaiting updates. Indeed, BPBD, Environment Agency, district and village officials have been sent to the site to monitor the situation,” he said.
Management Investigates Chemical Plant Explosion
PT MCCI Public Relations Dimas Saputro stated the explosion occurred around 12.30pm WIB, with internal teams investigating the location and cause.
“Yes, at 12.30pm, there was an incident; we are currently investigating. Details will be provided later,” Dimas said in Cilegon on Monday, 26 May.
The explosion was audible up to 3km from the site and caused acrid smoke. The company claimed the white smoke was steam from a turbine.
“I tried coordinating internally; the white plume was steam from our turbine, essentially water vapour,” he said.
The company is still investigating the incident, with technical teams and authorities including police and the Environment Agency involved.