Nickel smelter at PT ITSS Morowali explodes, 19 workers killed.

A nickel smelter furnace explosion at PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, has killed 19 workers.

According to *Kompas.com* as of Thursday morning (December 28, 2023), the victims include 11 Indonesian workers (TKI) and 8 foreign workers (TKA).

At least 40 others were injured. They are being treated at various locations, including Morowali Regional General Hospital (RSUD Morowali), the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) clinic, and receiving self-care.

The total number of victims, both dead and injured, is 59. This includes 41 Indonesian workers and 18 foreign workers.

According to *Katadata*, PT ITSS's report details the incident that occurred on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at 6:15 AM WITA. Feronickel furnace number 41 was still closed due to maintenance.

"During the repair process, leftover slag inside the furnace came out and came into contact with flammable materials at the site," said Dedy Kurniawan, Media Relations Head of PT IMIP in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on December 24, 2023, as quoted by *Antara*.

The collapse of the furnace wall and the outflow of molten iron caused a fire. This resulted in injuries and fatalities among the workers. According to the company's report, most of the injured victims suffered from hot steam from the smelter furnace.

PT IMIP, which houses PT ITSS, has formed a team to handle this workplace accident. PT IMIP also stated that it will cover the victims' medical expenses and provide emotional support to the victims' families. They are also coordinating with the police and local government.

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