Chemical tank collapses, 3 die

BANTEN, West Java: A huge chemical storage tank under construction at PT Priontal in Merak, West Java, collapsed in strong, high-speed winds Wednesday afternoon killing three people and injuring two others.

The almost completed storage tank -- 43 meters in diameter and 14 meters high, with a 15,000-tonne capacity -- was built by PT Pandan Mas.

Those who died were Darmadi, 36, Hartoyo, 22 and Kuswandi, 23. Sukri, 16, was in a coma, while Supaat, 34, sustained serious bodily injuries, Antara reported.

The five, with 20 other workers, were building the roof of the storage tank when the catastrophe occured. They were rushed to a Krakatau Steel hospital in Cilegon. (swe)