Inp.polri.go.id - Ternate. The North Maluku Regional Police have dispatched a team from its Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum) and the Indonesian Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (Inafis) to investigate the speedboat fire involving gubernatorial candidate Benny Laos.

"Both teams will be deployed to the scene to investigate the fire that occurred while Benny Laos was campaigning in Pulau Taliabu," said North Maluku Police Head of Public Relations Chief Senior Superintendent Bambang Suharyono on Saturday (12/10/2024).

Before the explosion, the Deputy Chief of the Taliabu Island Office Police warned the speedboat operator not to refuel while the engine was running. Shortly after, the explosion occurred, leading to the death of six passengers, including Benny Laos, who lost their lives.

At the time of the incident, around 1.40 pm local time, the speedboat was docked at the harbor. Local police, aided by residents, attempted to extinguish the fire but faced difficulties due to its intensity.

The North Maluku Police have urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation is ongoing.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)