A devastating blast in a Chinese-owned nickel plant on Indonesia's Sulawesi island has resulted in the tragic loss of 13 workers and left dozens injured, according to local authorities and a company representative. The explosion, occurring during repairs, marks the latest in a series of fatal incidents at nickel smelting plants in Indonesia that are affiliated with China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. Investigations are underway to determine if the company's negligence contributed to the deadly incident.

The tragedy unfolded at PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel, a subsidiary of PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (PT IMIP), located in Morowali regency's Bahodopi neighborhood. The furnace explosion was of such intensity that it obliterated the furnace itself and caused significant damage to the surrounding building's sidewalls. Central Sulawesi police chief Agus Nugroho revealed that four Chinese nationals and nine Indonesian workers succumbed to their injuries, while an additional 46 sustained various degrees of harm, some critically.

Acknowledging the gravity of the incident, company spokesperson Deddy Kurniawan expressed sincere apologies on behalf of PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel. Kurniawan affirmed the company's commitment to closely collaborate with authorities to thoroughly investigate the causes of the accident.

Rescue operations swung into action, as responders extinguished the ensuing fire and safely evacuated workers. The rescue mission, lasting close to four hours, helped mitigate further harm and damage. Preliminary investigations into the incident indicate the presence of explosive substances at the bottom of the furnace, sparking a fire that swiftly escalated into a catastrophic explosion due to the proximity of oxygen cylinders.

This tragic event marks the third deadly incident this year at Chinese-owned nickel smelting plants in Central Sulawesi province, renowned for possessing substantial nickel reserves in Indonesia. In April, two dump truck operators lost their lives tragically when they became ensnared in a wave of viscous, sludge-like material following a collapse at a nickel waste disposal site. Similarly, in January, riots ensued at an Indonesia-China joint venture in North Morowali regency, leading to the deaths of two workers, including a Chinese national.

Last year, another Chinese worker was fatally struck by a loader truck while repairing a road within PT IMIP's mining area, and an Indonesian worker tragically perished in a furnace explosion at the company's factory. PT IMIP, which commenced smelter operations in 2013, presently stands as Indonesia's largest nickel-based industrial area. While nearly half of its shares are held by a Chinese holding company, the remaining ownership is divided between two Indonesian entities.

However, troubling concerns surrounding worker safety and health have surfaced. Earlier this year, three Chinese workers lodged a complaint with Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights, asserting that the absence of breaks, coupled with prolonged exposure to dust and smoke, were causing a decline in their well-being. They further highlighted the lack of adequate safety equipment for workers at PT IMIP.

According to data compiled by the Mining Advocacy Network, an Indonesian watchdog, the incidents at nickel smelting plants in Central Sulawesi have claimed the lives of at least 22 workers from China and Indonesia since 2019. Alarmingly, this figure includes two Chinese nationals who tragically took their own lives.

Local authorities and government agencies remain committed to conducting thorough investigations and addressing the pressing concerns regarding worker safety in the industry. The tragic furnace explosion serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need to prioritize and implement robust safety measures to protect employees in the fast-paced industrial landscape.