Chemical trucks catch fire

TANGERANG (JP): A gas leak is suspected after three trucks loaded with chemicals caught fire near the pipelines of PT Hudaya's industrial compound in Jatiuwung subdistrict in Tangerang on Wednesday.

No fatalities were reported in the incident but losses are estimated in the hundreds of million of rupiah.

Company executives declined to comments on the incident and reporters were barred from entering the site.

Witnesses said a gas leak caused chemicals in the trucks to ignite, producing a massive fireball.

Firefighters were hampered by the lack of water resources in the compound. However, they were able to localize the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby residences.

Deputy chief of the Jatiuwung Police First Lt. Yusuf said the incident was under investigation. (41/edt)