A powerful explosion ripped through an oil tanker undergoing maintenance at a Batam shipyard in Indonesia, killing at least 10 workers and injuring more than 20 others on Tuesday evening, local authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at PT Bandar Abadi Shipyard, a major facility on Batam Island that services offshore and commercial vessels. Preliminary reports suggest that welding operations in the cargo section may have ignited flammable vapors, causing the blast and subsequent fire that engulfed the tanker.
Emergency response teams from nearby facilities and the Batam fire department rushed to the scene, battling flames that burned for several hours. Videos shared online show thick smoke billowing from the vessel as firefighting crews worked to contain the blaze.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower stated that safety protocol compliance and shipyard inspection procedures would be reviewed following the incident.
At least 32 workers were present on board when the explosion occurred. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and several victims remain in critical condition at local hospitals.
