Police Suspect Exploded Tank Leak At Balongan Oil Refinery

JAKARTA - West Java Police Chief, Insp. Gen. Ahmad Dofiri said there were reports of indications of leaks in the burning oil tank pipe at the RU VI Balongan oil refinery in Indramayu Regency, West Java.

"We received information earlier that there was seepage or leakage in the burning tank pipe," he said as quoted by Antara, Monday, March 29.

The leak, according to him, allegedly triggered the burning of the oil tank at the RU VI Balongan oil refinery.

"I think it was the result, but this is preliminary information because last night there was a fairly large thunder too. But this is preliminary information, the rest will be later," he said.

A resident of Blok Kesambi, Balongan Village/District, Indramayu Regency, named Yati (40) said that she smelled a strong odor in the area of the Balongan refinery before the explosion and fire broke out.

"Because I am there every day I know very well that this smell is not the usual one. It smells like gasoline," said Yati regarding the pungent smell that was smelled in the refinery area on Sunday, March 23 at around 23.00 western Indonesia time, several hours before the loud explosion and fire broke out there.

The fire that occurred in an oil tank at the RU VI Balongan refinery, Indramayu, has yet to be extinguished.