Inp.polri.go.id - Makassar. A tragic incident unfolded as a fire erupted at the PT Charoen Pokphand Tbk factory in Makassar, claiming one life and injuring 14 others  on Monday afternoon (1/4/2024). The factory, located in the Makassar Industrial Area, was engulfed in flames and smoke following an explosion at around 2.30 pm local time, as reported by antaranews.com. According to Makassar Sub-regional Police Chief Senior Superintendent Mokhamad Ngajib, the cause of the explosion is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting a welding operation near a leaking chimney led to the blast. The deceased victim, identified as Andi Akbar, suffered severe burns in the incident.  The injured were treated at Dr. Tadjuddin Chalid Central General Hospital and Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar General Hospital. Firefighters faced obstacles when they arrived, as security personnel initially denied them access to the site, claiming the situation was under control. The incident came to light through social media and reports from online motorcycle taxi drivers, prompting immediate response from emergency services. (mg/inp/pr/nm)