Horrific Explosion & Fire at Indonesia Fuel Depot Kills At Least 17, Forces Thousands to Evacuate

A horrific explosion and fire at an Indonesian fuel depot has reportedly killed at least 17 people and injured dozens of others.

Thousands of nearby residents were forced to evacuate the area.

The incident occurred at the Plumpang fuel storage station, which is operated by state-run oil and gas company Pertamina.

According to the Associated Press, the station supplies 25% of Indonesia’s fuel needs.

Here’s footage of the terrifying catastrophe:

Indonesian officials called for an investigation and an audit of state energy company Pertamina's facilities after a fire at its storage facility killed 15 https://t.co/YbZJch2eXD pic.twitter.com/bOeI10ohPv

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 4, 2023

JUST IN – Massive fire at fuel storage station belonging to state-owned energy company Pertamina at North Jakarta, Indonesia – multiple people dead. pic.twitter.com/zSovcWb3AJ

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) March 3, 2023

‼️Footage of the horrific moment fuel storage station of energy company Pertamina exploded in Jakarta, Indonesia pic.twitter.com/f2A1CpewIZ

— Lady Bluebell (@LornaMa36402231) March 4, 2023

AP reported:

At least 260 firefighters and 52 fire engines were struggling to contain the blaze in the nearby neighborhood, fire officials said.

Video of the fire broadcast on television showed hundreds of people in the community running in panic while thick plumes of black smoke and orange flames filled the sky and firefighters battled the blaze.

A preliminary investigation showed the fire broke out when a pipeline ruptured during heavy rain, possibly from a lightning strike, said Eko Kristiawan, Pertamina’s area manager.

He said the fire would not disrupt the country’s fuel supply.

The acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono, said about 600 displaced people were being taken to temporary shelters at several government offices and a sport stadium.

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Satriadi Gunawan, who heads Jakarta’s fire and rescue department, said at least 17 people were dead, including two children, and 50 had been hospitalized, some with severe burns.

“The fire caused several explosions and quickly spread to residential houses,” Gunawan said.

Last week, fires started at three facilities owned by Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company. 

The fires occurred at two facilities in Mexico and one in Texas.

Exploded Suddenly? Fires Break Out At Three Facilities in America & Mexico Owned by One Company