13 killed, dozens injured in Indonesia factory explosion

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) — An explosion at a Chinese-funded nickel-processing plant in eastern Indonesia killed at least 13 people and injured dozens on Sunday, local media reported.

The explosion took place at a smelter furnace in Morowali nickel industrial park on Sulawesi Island, a hub for the Indonesia's production of nickel, local broadcaster Metro TV reported.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the complex confirmed the 13 fatalities, including eight Indonesians and five Chinese workers, along with the injury of 38 people. At least 17 injured were stated to be in serious condition.

The blast, the latest in a string of industrial accidents in Indonesia, occurred during furnace maintenance at 5.30 a.m. (2130GMT).

Footage aired on multiple local broadcasters showed flames and plumes of smoke rising from the facility, with emergency workers struggling to extinguish the blaze.

In June 2019, at least 30 people, including three children, were killed in a fire at a gas lighter factory in the Binjali district of North Sumatra province.