LPG Gas Tanker Carrying 3,000 Cylinders Explodes at South Sulawesi Port, Two Dead

A vessel transporting 3,000 LPG gas cylinders exploded and caught fire at Rauf Rahman Port in Selayar Islands District, South Sulawesi. Two people were killed in the incident.

“Two people died,” said Danpos SAR Selayar Ronaldhi.

The incident involving KM Cipta Anugerah occurred on Monday 16 March at approximately 06:30 Western Indonesia Standard Time. The vessel was preparing to depart for Pasimarannu District.

The deceased were identified as Captain Aryadin, 40, who was trapped in the flames, and Jaya, 40, who was trapped in the engine room.

“He was the chief engineer. He went down to start the engine and the explosion originated from the engine initially. So he became trapped inside the vessel when it exploded,” Ronaldhi explained.

The search for Jaya’s body involved a combined search and rescue team and volunteer divers from the Selayar Dive Adventure community. Divers conducted sweeps at several underwater locations to locate the victim’s body.

Three crew members were reported safe with minor injuries: Irfan, 35; Ilham, 33; and Ihsan, 45. All three received medical treatment.