Ship KM Citra catches fire in Selayar with two fatalities

Makassar — Two crew members of the Motor Ship (KM) Citra Anugrah died following injuries sustained when an explosion and fire erupted whilst the vessel was docked at Rauf Rahman Benteng Port, Benteng District, Kepulauan Selayar 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,” said Selayar Police Chief Senior Commissioner Didid Imawan in a written statement received on Monday.

The two victims were Captain Aryadin, aged 40, and crew member Arif Jaya, also aged 40. Both were unable to escape when the explosion occurred aboard the vessel.

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

The mixed cargo aboard was intended to be transported to Bonerate Island, Pasimarannu District, Selayar, to meet community needs ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri.

In response to the incident, officers from the Kepulauan Selayar Police together with relevant agencies attended the scene to evacuate the victims, secure the crime scene with police cordons, and assist in extinguishing the fire, which produced thick black smoke across the port area.