Management Reveals Cause of Loud Explosion at Cilegon Chemical Plant

Regarding the timeline of events, we would like to inform that at 14:30 WIB today, an overpressure incident occurred in one of the instruments at our production facility. This overpressure caused a loud explosion audible beyond the plant premises,” said PT MCCI Public Relations Officer Dimas Saputro on Monday (25 May 2026).

In addition to the explosion, a mechanical defect in the production system released steam that appeared as smoke plumes. The company stated that the smoke-like plumes were pure water vapour from the plant’s cooling system.

“We wish to clarify information and videos circulating among the public regarding the smoke plumes. We confirm that these are not toxic chemical gases but pure water vapour. The water vapour emerged from the automatic cooling system, which activated in response to the overpressure as part of the plant’s safety procedures,” he said.

The company also clarified that the smoke-like plumes were not toxic gas. MCCI management is working to dispel rumours of a toxic gas leak.

“Therefore, the public need not be concerned about reports of a toxic gas leak,” he added.

Regarding casualties, Dimas stated that one worker was injured due to hot water splashes from the overpressure process. The victim, a production facility operator, was rushed to the nearest health centre following the incident.

“Concerning the impact and casualties, we confirm there were no fatalities. However, one of our operators sustained minor burns from hot water splashes when the automatic safety system activated. The staff was immediately evacuated to the nearest health centre for prompt medical treatment and is now in stable condition,” he said.