Explosion on KMP Aceh Hebat 2 at Ulee Lheue Port Injures 15
A search and rescue team from the National SAR Agency (Basarnas) swiftly evacuated more than a dozen victims following an explosion on the ferry KMP Aceh Hebat 2 at Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh on Friday (12/6/2026). The incident left at least 15 people injured.
Captain of the SAR vessel KN Kresna 232, Supriadi, reported that the explosion, accompanied by a fire, occurred in the engine room. The incident took place moments after the roll-on/roll-off (roro) ship arrived from Balohan Port on Weh Island, Sabang.
“The Banda Aceh Basarnas team on standby aboard the KN Kresna 232 at Ulee Lheue Port immediately assisted the evacuation process. The victims were promptly rushed to hospitals in Banda Aceh,” Supriadi said in a statement.
According to provisional data, the victims comprised 14 cadets or maritime students undergoing practical training and one crew member. All victims have been evacuated to the dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital (RSUDZA) in Banda Aceh for intensive medical care.
The mobilisation of victims was carried out collaboratively using various vehicles, ranging from Meuraxa Community Health Centre ambulances to Trans Kutaraja buses and private transport, to expedite treatment.
The victims are currently in the Emergency Department of RSUDZA. The medical team reported that the victims sustained varying degrees of burns, from minor to severe.
The loud explosion in the port area triggered a rapid response from multiple parties. In addition to the Basarnas team, the Banda Aceh Health Quarantine Centre also provided first aid at the scene.
As of the time of reporting, several fire engines remained on standby at the location to ensure the fire in the engine room was fully extinguished. Meanwhile, a police forensic investigation team has boarded the vessel to process the crime scene in order to uncover the exact cause of the explosion on the ship owned by the Aceh Government.
Port operations were reported to be continuing under strict supervision from local authorities following the incident.