Regarding The Dieng PLTP Gas Leak, This Is GeoDipa's Explanation

Explosion conditions at the Dieng gas well are under control. (photo; twitter @santridanalam)

JAKARTA - PT Geo Dipa Energi (Persero) has opened up about a work accident at the drilling well of the Geo Dipa Power Plant (PLTP) in the Dieng Geo Dipa Unit working area, to be precise PAD 28, which is located in Dieng, Batur, Banjarnegara, yesterday.

PT Geo Dipa Energi (Persero) Corporate Secretary, Endang Iswandini, said this incident started with well quenching activities. One of the workers who are the Workover Executor took the initiative to check the relief valve on the mud pump-1 which opens automatically, then the worker fell unconscious and was evacuated to the Kejajar 1 Health Center, Wonosobo.

Furthermore, Endang said it was suspected that the victim was exposed to a toxic gas that came out along with water when the relief valve opened automatically.

"In carrying out the work, all SOPs have been carried out by applicable work safety and security standards", she said in an official statement, quoted on Sunday, March 13.

Endang also ensured that no people were victims in the incident, but workers who were at the location.

So far, seven victims have been recorded, of which six have been rushed to the KRT Soetjonegoro Hospital Wonosobo after previously receiving initial medical treatment at the Kejajar Health Center. Of the total victims, one person died at the Health Center.

"All management and all GeoDipa personnel express their condolences for the work accident. GeoDipa will also be responsible for the accident to all affected victims", she explained.

Endang also ensured that there was no explosion in one of the wells, nor did it occur in the drilling well.

Previously, it was reported that an explosion in a drilled well at the Geo Dipa Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Dieng, Banjarnegara, Central Java released toxic gas, Saturday, March 12. It was reported that one person died as a result of the explosion.

A total of 15 employees had to be rushed to the hospital because they were suspected of having gas poisoning. "One died. Eight are being treated at the hospital. All the victims were rushed to the Wonosobo Hospital. All are still being recorded, I myself am still on my way from Banjarnegara to Wonosobo", said Banjarnegara Police Chief, AKBP Hendri Yulianto, to the media.

According to residents' reports, this incident occurred at around 16.30 WIB when hundreds of Geo Dipa's employees suddenly seemed to scatter out. Most of the employees seemed to have shortness of breath. However, at around 18.00, the conditions at the scene were resolved.

Previously, several employees who were poisoned were rushed to the Kejajar 1 and Kejajar 2 Health Centers to get help.