Explosion during excavation in Fatmawati suspected to be caused by severed power cables

Police have stated that the cause of the explosion during excavation works on Jalan Fatmawati Raya, Cilandak, South Jakarta, is suspected to be due to severed electricity cables. “We suspect it was the snapping of PLN cables. For now, that is the working theory,” said AKP Joko Adi, Head of Public Relations for the South Jakarta Metro Police, to journalists in Jakarta on Monday.

He noted that the police received information regarding the explosion through citizen reports via the 110 Call Centre. According to witness statements, workers were drilling the road when an explosion suddenly occurred, as the activity hit underground cables.

Police confirmed that two workers, identified by the initials H and R, were injured in the explosion on Jalan RS Fatmawati Raya, Cilandak, at approximately 09:00 WIB on Monday morning. Both victims have been evacuated and taken to Fatmawati Hospital.

Currently, the excavation work has been temporarily halted to allow for further investigation by the police. Authorities are also examining the crime scene and gathering statements from witnesses and the victims.

At the time of the incident, workers were excavating to repair PDAM clean water pipes. However, during the process, PLN cables were discovered within the excavation site. “While performing repairs, they used a breaker to check for the presence of cables, and it hit a PLN cable,” explained the official.