LPG Cylinder Cargo Vessel Explodes at Selayar Port, Two Crew Members Dead

A vessel carrying essential supplies and LPG cylinders exploded in the area of Benteng Port, Selayar Archipelago District, South Sulawesi. Two crew members were reported dead as a result of the incident.

“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,” said Selayar Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Didid Imawan, on Monday (16 March).

The vessel exploded, apparently due to a leaking gas cylinder. The incident occurred around 06:30 Western Indonesia Time when the ship was being moved from port.

One crew member, Arif Jaya (40), then started the ship’s engine using the starter motor. However, an explosion suddenly occurred inside the vessel, immediately triggering a major fire that destroyed the entire ship.

“Gas leakage is believed to have triggered the explosion when the ship’s engine was started, causing a spark that subsequently caused the fire,” he explained.

As a result of the incident, Didid said, two crew members were reported dead: ship captain Aryadi (40) and Arif Jaya.

“Two victims did not have time to escape and died at the scene. Meanwhile, two other crew members managed to survive: Iksan (45), who suffered a fractured leg from jumping off the ship, and Irfan (35), who suffered minor injuries,” he said.

The vessel KM Cipta Anugerah, which was carrying 2,000 packages of various essential supplies and approximately 3-kilogramme and 12-kilogramme LPG cylinders along with diesel and premium petrol, was scheduled to be taken to Takabonerate Island to meet community needs ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

“The ship’s cargo, consisting of essential supplies, LPG gas and petroleum fuel, represented supplies for communities in Pasimarannu District ahead of Eid al-Fitr, so the relevant authorities will conduct coordination to anticipate the possibility of disruption to logistics distribution to the region,” he said.

Meanwhile, the two deceased have been handed over to their families for burial in Pasimarannu District after the families refused to have an autopsy performed.

“We are continuing further investigations to determine the precise cause of the fire incident,” he said.