KM Citra Vessel Explodes and Catches Fire in Selayar, Captain and One Crew Member Dead

Two crew members of the Motor Vessel (KM) Citra Anugrah died after sustaining serious injuries during an explosion and subsequent fire whilst the ship was docked at Rauf Rahman Benteng Port, Benteng District, Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi.

“Based on preliminary findings at the scene, the explosion is believed to have originated from a 12-kilogramme liquefied petroleum gas cylinder found in a split condition,” stated Selayar Police Chief AKBP Didid Imawan in a written statement received on Monday.

The two victims were identified as Aryadin, 40, the ship’s captain, and Arif Jaya, 40, a crew member. Both were unable to escape when the vessel exploded.

Two other crew members survived: Iksan, 45, who suffered a fractured leg whilst jumping from the ship, and Irfan, 35, who sustained only minor injuries during Monday morning’s incident.

The KM Citra Anugrah, owned by Haji Salam, was carrying approximately 2,000 mixed cargo packages, including essential supplies, diesel fuel, petrol, and three-kilogramme and 12-kilogramme gas cylinders. Various items were scattered around the dock following the explosion.

The cargo was intended for delivery to Bonerate Island, Pasimarannu District, Selayar, to meet community needs ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri.

Officers from Selayar Islands Police worked with relevant agencies to evacuate the victims, secure the scene with police tape, and extinguish the fire, which produced thick black smoke across the port area.

The police chief explained that the vessel’s cargo—essential supplies, gas cylinders, and fuel—comprised provisions destined for Pasimarannu District ahead of the Eid holiday. Relevant agencies coordinated efforts to prevent disruptions to logistics distribution to the region, given increased demand before the celebrations.

The two deceased were handed over to their families for burial in Pasimarannu District after family members declined a post-mortem examination.