Rino Fajar Setiawan, Andrea Hosana, Bekasi – A major fire and explosion at a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) filling facility in Bekasi, West Java, left at least 14 people injured and damaged more than a dozen homes, local authorities said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a bulk LPG filling station in Cimuning, Mustikajaya district, on Wednesday night. Flames spread rapidly to nearby residential areas, affecting homes within a radius of up to 100 meters.
Bekasi Deputy Mayor Abdul Harris Bobihoe said the injured had been evacuated to several hospitals for treatment, including Kartika Husada Setu Hospital, Citra Arrafiq Hospital, Bekasi City Regional Hospital, and Bekasi Regency Regional Hospital.
"Approximately 14 people were injured, some while inside their homes that caught fire, and others while passing through the area," Harris told reporters.
He confirmed that no fatalities had been reported, although several victims suffered severe burns, with some injuries reaching up to 90%. The Bekasi city government said all medical costs would be covered by the national health insurance system.
At least 14 houses were damaged in the blast, prompting the local administration to pledge assistance for affected residents, particularly those from low-income households.
"We will assess and survey the impacted homes. For those in need, the Bekasi city government will cover the repairs," Harris said.
The fire, which engulfed part of the LPG storage area, was brought under control at around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday by joint firefighting teams from Bekasi city and regency.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion. Initial reports suggest a gas leak during a filling process may have allowed LPG to accumulate in surrounding areas for 15 to 20 minutes before igniting.
A local resident, Bayu, said he noticed a strong smell of gas shortly before the explosion.
"At first it was faint, then it spread to the road and into residential areas. Not long after, there was a huge explosion," he said, adding that the gas odor had become widespread before the incident.
He also claimed there was no visible supervision at the filling site at the time of the suspected leak.
State energy firm Pertamina Patra Niaga, which oversees fuel and LPG distribution, issued an apology for the incident at the facility operated by a partner company.
The company said it had coordinated with local firefighters to contain the blaze and praised the swift response of emergency teams, as well as support from the military and police in securing the area.
"Current efforts are focused on post-incident handling, including ensuring the safety of nearby residents and assisting affected victims and workers," the company said in a statement.
Pertamina added that LPG supply to the public remains secure, with contingency distribution arranged through nearby facilities to prevent shortages. Authorities also urged residents to remain calm and avoid panic buying as investigations continue.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/lpg-facility-explosion-in-bekasi-injures-14-damages-home