Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Two crew members of the KM Citra Anugrah have died after a violent explosion and fire tore through the vessel while it was docked at Rauf Rahman Benteng Harbor in the Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi, on Monday (16/3/2026). 

"The ship was carrying approximately 2,000 packages of mixed goods, including basic food supplies, fuel, and gas cylinders," said Selayar Sub-regional Police Chief Superintendent Didid Imawan, as cited by antaranews.com

Preliminary investigations by the Selayar Police suggested the blast originated from a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder found split open at the scene. The victims, identified as ship captain Aryadin (40) and crewman Arif Jaya (40), were unable to escape the sudden blaze that erupted on Monday morning. Two other crew members survived, though one sustained a broken leg after jumping from the burning deck.

The cargo was intended for distribution to Bonerate Island in the Pasimarannu District to meet the rising demand for supplies ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festivities. Authorities and port officials are now coordinating to ensure that logistics to the outer districts remain uninterrupted following the loss of the vessel. While families have declined autopsies for the deceased, forensic teams remain on-site to confirm if secondary factors contributed to the fatal explosion.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)