Gas Cylinder Explosion on KM Citra Anugrah in Selayar: Two Crew Members Die
A tragic incident befell the Motor Vessel (KM) Citra Anugrah whilst docked at Rauf Rahman Benteng Port, Kepulauan Selayar Regency, South Sulawesi, on Monday morning, 16 March.
The vessel, which was carrying basic necessities logistics, experienced a violent explosion followed by fire, resulting in the deaths of two crew members.
Based on preliminary police investigation, the source of the explosion is suspected to have originated from one of the vessel’s cargo items. Selayar Police Chief AKBP Didid Imawan revealed that field teams discovered physical evidence pointing to the cause of the incident.
“Based on initial findings at the scene, the explosion is suspected to have originated from a 12-kilogramme liquefied petroleum gas cylinder found in a split condition,” stated AKBP Didid Imawan in a written statement on Monday, 16 March.
The sudden event claimed the lives of ship captain Aryadin, 40, and a crew member named Arif Jaya, 40. Both were reported to have had no time to evacuate when the explosion occurred and fire rapidly engulfed the vessel.
In addition to the fatalities, two other crew members survived but sustained injuries. Iksan, 45, suffered a fractured leg after jumping from the vessel to avoid the flames, whilst Irfan, 35, only sustained minor injuries.
The two victims’ bodies have been handed over to their families for burial in Pasimarannu Subdistrict. This decision was made after the families formally declined to undergo an autopsy process.
KM Citra Anugrah was a vessel owned by Haji Salam carrying approximately 2,000 packages of mixed goods. The cargo included basic necessities, petroleum products such as diesel and petrol, as well as liquefied petroleum gas cylinders of various sizes.
The entire logistics consignment was scheduled to be distributed to Bonerate Island, Pasimarannu Subdistrict, to meet the needs of residents ahead of Eid celebrations for the year 1447 Hijri.
As a result of the explosion, the vessel’s cargo was scattered around the dock and much of it was destroyed by fire.
This situation has triggered concerns regarding the stability of logistics supply in the island region. Selayar Police, together with relevant agencies, are now conducting intensive coordination to find alternative solutions so that the distribution of goods to Pasimarannu Subdistrict is not hindered, given the sharply increased demand from residents ahead of Eid.
Currently, the port area has been cordoned off with police tape to secure the crime scene. Joint personnel have successfully extinguished the remaining fires that had been emitting thick black smoke.
Whilst initial findings point to an explosion from a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder, AKBP Didid Imawan stressed that the investigation will not conclude there. Police continue to conduct in-depth investigation to determine whether any other factors triggered the severe fire.