Explosion in Engine Room of KMP Aceh Hebat 2 Injures Cadets and Crew

An explosion occurred in the engine room of the Motor Passenger Ship (KMP) Aceh Hebat 2 while it was docked at Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province. The incident, the exact cause of which remains unknown, took place on Friday (12/6) at around 10:45 AM WIB, shortly after the vessel arrived from a voyage originating in Sabang. The ship had departed from Balohan Port in Sabang at approximately 8:00 AM WIB and arrived at Ulee Lheue at 10:00 AM WIB.

According to information obtained by Media Indonesia, the incident began when crew members were introducing electronic electro-hydraulic motor components to cadets from the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic. The components were installed on the watertight bulkhead door of the engine room.

As a result of the explosion, 12 maritime academy cadets suffered burn injuries. Two crew members of the vessel, which was procured by the Aceh Provincial Government, were also victims.

General Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) Banda Aceh Branch, Andri Setiawan, confirmed the accident on the KMP Aceh Hebat 2 but did not specify the exact cause of the explosion and fire in the engine room.

For medical treatment, all victims were immediately rushed to the Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital in Banda Aceh. They were evacuated from Ulee Lheue Port using a Trans-Kuta Raja bus and an ambulance from Meraxa Hospital in Banda Aceh. Other information from RSUZA indicated that the number of fire victims had reached 20 people, though the names of those currently receiving medical care at the provincial government-owned hospital were not disclosed. “Yes, they have been taken to RSUZA. All are currently receiving medical treatment,” said junior doctor Ghina Zuhaira, a medical worker at RSUZA Banda Aceh.