Banda Aceh Police Investigate Explosion on KMP Aceh Hebat Ferry

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Banda Aceh City Police is investigating the cause of an explosion in the engine room of the ferry KMP Aceh Hebat 2, which resulted in 15 people suffering burn injuries.

Head of the Banda Aceh Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Police Commissioner Miftahuda Dhiza Fezuono, stated on Friday (12/6) that the victims comprised 14 students or cadets from the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic and one crew member of the KMP Aceh Hebat 2.

“We, together with the Aceh Regional Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate and the Water and Air Police Directorate, are investigating the cause of the explosion on the KMP Aceh Hebat 2 that left more than a dozen people with burn injuries,” said Miftahuda.

Prior to the explosion, the maritime cadets were undergoing field training or practical work on the vessel. The ship had just docked at Ulee Lheue Port after sailing from Balohan Port in Sabang.

“The explosion happened suddenly. We cannot yet confirm the cause as it is still under investigation. The explosion occurred in the engine room,” Miftahuda said.

He added that the victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Emergency Department of the Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital (RSUDZA) in Banda Aceh.

“We are also still identifying the victims. Regarding the specific condition of the burn injuries, we cannot disclose details. The medical team will provide that information. Generally, the victims suffered minor, moderate, and severe burns,” Miftahuda said.

The explosion occurred on the roll-on/roll-off ferry KMP Aceh Hebat 2 while it was docked at Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh on Friday (12/6). The blast in the ship’s engine room injured more than a dozen people, who had to be taken to RSUDZA Banda Aceh for medical treatment. The majority of the victims were cadets or students from the Maritime Polytechnic who were undertaking field practice on the vessel.