REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SAMARINDA -- A motor vessel carrying hundreds of tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exploded at a pier in River Mahakam in the East Kalimantan provincial capital of Samarinda on Tuesday night. The explosion was strongly audible for up to five kilometers from the scene, triggering panic among local residents, who later attempted to locate the source of the explosion.

The motor vessel KM Amelia exploded when it moored and planned to sail to Biduk-biduk in Berau District, East Kalimantan. Three people were reportedly injured in the explosion and were being treated at a nearby hospital for burns.

The explosion also impacted other motor vessel that had recently moored not far away from the scene. Sukri, an eyewitness, claimed to have seen two motor vessels sinking in River Mahakam shortly after the explosion.

The explosion also caused serious damage to the pier.

"I do not know exactly what happened. I suddenly heard a strong explosion similar to a bomb," he remarked.

Sobari, who worked for the pier, stated that no loading and unloading activities were taking place at the pier when the explosion occurred.

Spokesman for the Samarinda City Police First Inspector Hardi remarked that three people were being hospitalized following the explosion. The police, along with other relevant agencies, are searching for crew members of the sunken motor vessels.

"The cause of the explosion is still being investigated. For the time being, three people are being hospitalized," he added.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika