Gas accumulation suspected behind Pertalite tanker explosion in Pontianak

An explosion aboard fuel tanker MT Bintang Energi at the PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Terminal dock in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, was likely caused by an accumulation of flammable gas or vapor trapped in a confined space at the front of the vessel, according to preliminary findings as reported by media.

The incident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. local time on Monday at Dermaga 2 in the Siantan Hilir area of Pontianak. The vessel was carrying about 3,300 kiloliters of Pertalite fuel when the explosion occurred shortly after docking.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga HSSE Supervisor Hamkani said the blast originated from the forepeak tank area at the bow of the ship.

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He said three crew members were injured in the incident, including one person who was thrown into the Kapuas River and later evacuated by speedboat.

Authorities have not yet conducted a full investigation as concerns remain over residual gas that could trigger another explosion or fire.

The dock area remains under isolation while police coordinate with the criminal investigation unit and the Gegana bomb squad of West Kalimantan Police.

Pertamina said the explosion did not spread to the vessel’s main fuel storage tanks or fuel distribution facilities, preventing a potentially larger fire.

The company also said fuel distribution operations in Pontianak continue normally and that Pertalite supplies remain secure through existing floating stock and incoming shipments.

Editing by Alexander Ginting