Diggers Again Become Victims, This Time The Underground Fiber Optic Cable Explodes, 5 People Are In Hospital

Illustration of victim/clickdokter

JAKARTA - R and O, two workers excavating fiber optic cables, were hit by an explosion in an electric cable on Jalan Pelumpang Semper, Koja, North Jakarta, Wednesday, October 13, yesterday.

The two victims received burns up to 40 percent after the soil they were excavating suddenly exploded. Apart from R and O, three other workers were also injured in the explosion.

"From PT Prima digging for the optical pole, suddenly there was an explosion at a depth of 10 centimeters, hitting the power cable below," said the Head of the Koja Sector Police AKBP Abdul Rasyid when contacted by reporters, Thursday, October 14.

The victim was immediately evacuated to Kebon Bawang Hospital for medical treatment.

"Currently, investigators have taken statements from two witness workers who were there," he said.

Koja Police Investigators are also still investigating the explosion case.

"Even though the power line was about 15 cm (centimeter) down, so when the explosion occurred, the two people were exposed to sparks from the explosion," he said.

Regarding the alleged element of negligence, the police have not been able to conclude the motive.

"The alleged negligence is still under investigation. A total of 5 people were injured, but only two people were burned in the face," he said.

Police currently suspect there was an error in the underground cabling. Because, the position of the cable is quite shallow. He said the position of the power cable should be at a depth of 30-40 centimeters.

The police are currently examining several witnesses. The plan is that the vendor will also be examined to find out the SOP for the excavation work.