Morowali Smelter Tungku Explodes, 12 Workers Die, 39 Others Are Seriously Injured

JAKARTA - A work accident occurred at a nickel processing factory owned by PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS).

A total of 51 workers were victims, of which 12 people died and 39 others were seriously injured.

ITSS itself is one of the tenants operating in the Indonesian Industrial Estate Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), Morowali, Central Sulawesi.

The accident occurred on Sunday morning, December 24, 2023.

Media Relations Head of PT IMIP, Dedy Kurniawan, said the work accident occurred at around 05.30 WITA.

The accident started with an accident experienced by a number of workers while repairing the stove and installing the plate on the stove.

The current number of victims is 51 people. A total of 12 people died in the incident, and 39 other victims suffered serious and minor injuries," he said in an official statement, Sunday, December 24.

Dedy said the 12 workers who died consisted of 7 Indonesian workers and 5 Foreign Workers (TKA).

Furthermore, Dedy said that based on the results of the initial investigation, the cause of the explosion was estimated because the bottom of the stove still contained a liquid trigger for the explosion. During the repair process, an explosion occurred.

At the location there are also many oxygen cylinders used for welding and cutting stove components. As a result, the first explosion triggered several oxygen cylinders around the area to explode," he said.

Dedy explained that the furnace fire was successfully extinguished at 09.10 WITA. Workers who were victims of the accident have been taken to clinic 1 and 2 of PT IMIP.

"The injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment," he said.

PT IMIP as the company that oversees the Morowali industrial ring area is deeply saddened by this tragedy, especially the families of the victims affected by this incident.

Currently, said Deddy, several victims who were identified, and at the request of the victim's family, their bodies have been flown to their respective hometowns (DK) today.

PT IMIP continues to coordinate with related parties to investigate this incident, including the handling of victims. PT IMIP will bear all maintenance costs for victims and fulfill the rights and obligations of the victims," he said.