REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- At least 21 people were killed in an explosion at an illegal oil well in Pasir Putih village, Ranto Peureulak subdistrict, East Aceh. Meanwhile, 38 people injured and five houses were burned in the incident.
The explosion and fire also caused as many as 55 families have to be evacuated. "Fire has been extinguished at 05.00 am this morning, but gas is still out," Aceh Disaster and Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Aceh head, Teuku Ahmad Dadek in his written statement on Thursday (April 26).
Aerial view of the location of illegal oil well explosion at Pasir Putih village, Ranto Peureulak, East Aceh, on Thursday (April 26).
PT Pertamina EP Field Rantau has deployed 25 personnel and two units of fire engines to help extinguish the fire early on Wednesday. The company's Legal and Relation Assistant Manager for Pertamina Asset 1 EP Field Rantau, Supandi Prabudi, said that the flame had previously towered to some 75 meters in the air, but Pandi claimed that it has been getting lower.
Meanwhile, Aceh Provincial Government has provided assistance to victims in the form of kitchen equipment, food supplies, and family health package. In addition, there are also mats, blankets, tarpaulins, children's clothing, and clothing packages.
Police urged the people to not approached the incident location. Investigation has been done by local authorities. Furthermore, expert information will be required.
"Once we know the cause of this incident, we will ask for expert information," said National Police spokesman, Setyo Wasisto.
The firefighters are trying to cool down the area of illegal oil well explosion after extinguishing the fire at Pasir Putih village, Ranto Pereulak, East Aceh, Aceh, on Thursday (April 26).
The incident occurred when one of the illegal oil wells, drilled to a depth of 100 meters, exploded and spouted out oil. Dozens of people who saw the oil spill out from the well started to collect them.
Suddenly, the blaze erupted and the victims, who were collecting oil, were trapped in the fire. Two houses near the location also caught fire.
Head of Aceh Timur District H.Hasballah HM Thaib noted that the authority has deployed its fire extinguishers to put out the fire. "The fire is allegedly mixed with gas."
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika
