Muhammad Fakhruddin, Morowali – The death toll from a workplace accident at Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, has increased to 20 individuals, including 12 Indonesian workers and eight foreign workers, according to the Central Sulawesi Regional Police.
In addition to the fatalities, there are 29 individuals with severe injuries and 11 with minor injuries currently receiving treatment in several hospitals, including those in Makassar and Jakarta.
"We are handling the case and we hope the victims receiving treatment will recover soon," Central Sulawesi Police Chief, Agus Nugroho, said in Palu, as quoted by Antara on Wednesday.
Agus said that identifying suspects in the smelter furnace explosion awaits the joint team's investigation results.
The explosion occurred on Dec. 24, 2023, at the ITSS plant in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), which owns a 10 percent stake in the Chinese-funded metal processing plant. The incident instantly killed 13 workers, including nine local workers and four Chinese workers, while more than 40 workers were injured, including many with severe burns.
"We have clues, we just need to conclude the case to identify suspects in the incident," Agus affirmed.
The investigative team has interviewed 27 witnesses, including employees deemed responsible for the incident.
"Witnesses interviewed include both Indonesian and foreign workers and some of the victims who have recovered. We have taken their statements," he added.
Agus revealed that the investigation suggests several violations of standard operating procedures (SOP) on the part of personnel.
"I do not want to interfere with the investigation conducted by the joint team. Once the case is reviewed, suspects will be identified promptly," Agus said.
Besides the ITSS smelter explosion, a second fire occurred in the smelter of Gunbuster Nickel Industri (GNI) on Dec. 28, 2023. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo calls for rigorous inspections of equipment and systems in smelters or mining processing facilities to prevent future explosions.
"Operating a smelter is indeed a very challenging task. The heating process is extremely risky. Therefore, in construction and operation, safety measures must be prioritized," Jokowi said on Dec. 30, 2023.
President Jokowi urged for intensified inspections, even doubling or tripling them if necessary,
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/death-toll-rises-to-20-in-morowali-steel-furnace-explosio