Ten Miners Killed in a Coal Mine Explosion in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra

JAKARTADAILY.ID – Ten miners died after a coal mining pit that belongs to PT NAL in Talawi District, Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra, allegedly exploded on Friday, December 9, 2022.

Indonesian National Police Spokesperson, Police Inspector General Dedi Prasetyo, said that the Sawahlunto Police and the West Sumatra Regional Police are on the case.

Dedi explained that when the incident occurred there were 15 miners still inside the mine.

"There were 15 deep miners, nine of whom managed to get out, five of whom were injured, and four died. Meanwhile, six others are still in being evacuated," said Dedi Prasetyo in a statement on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

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According to a report from Tempo, as of Friday, December 9, 2022, at 18.00 local time, six victims who died had been evacuated to the Sawahlunto Regional General Hospital to be identified.

Dedi said that with the discovery of six victims, the total number of victims who died in the mine explosion incident became ten people.

"(According to) information from the West Sumatra Police Chief, (the victims) have been evacuated. All victims are currently being identified," said Dedi when contacted on Friday, December 9, 2022.

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Dedi explained that the chronology of this incident began at around 09.00 AM. At that time the miners started digging led by PT NAL's Head of Mining Engineering (KTT) PT NAL named Dian Firdaus.

However, the mine emitted a puff of smoke and was accompanied by a small explosion from inside the mine shaft. At the time of the explosion, several workers had already entered the mine pit as deep as 200 meters.

"Furthermore, the Summit ordered the head of the hole to inspect the hole," he said

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According to Dedi, the police secured the scene and collected information and data regarding the accident. The victims have also been rushed to the hospital. Police are still investigating the cause of the explosion.