Three Killed, Toddler Injured in Central Java Oil Well Explosion

SEMARANG: A community-operated oil well in Gandu Village, Blora Regency, Central Java, exploded on Sunday, killing three villagers and injuring two others, including a toddler.

The victims were identified as Tanek, 60, Sureni, 52, and Wasini, 50, all of whom died from severe burns, according to Agung Triyono of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD). “Two other villagers, including a toddler, are receiving intensive care at the hospital,” he said.

Oil Well FIre

The blaze, triggered by a blowout, destroyed at least four houses, forced the evacuation of 50 families, and displaced livestock. Police spokesperson Adjunct Commissioner Gembong Widodo said the fire broke out around midday. “The flames immediately engulfed the drilling site as villagers fled in panic,” he noted.

Authorities deployed five fire trucks and continue to investigate the cause. The incident highlights safety risks at Indonesia’s unregulated sumur minyak rakyat (people’s oil wells), often prone to deadly accidents.

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