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| A deadly moment inside a power plant chimney… the survivor’s testimony is truly chilling. |
Four cleaning service workers at the Sukabangun Dalam Coal-Fired Power Plant in Ketapang became victims of a sudden coal dust collapse. The tragic incident happened on Wednesday afternoon, January 21, 2026, at around 3:30 p.m. local time.
Two workers died at the scene. They were identified as JN, 35 years old, and RN, 32 years old, both residents of Sukabangun Dalam. Two others, PEM and HR, survived the accident.
One of the survivors, PEM, shared the terrifying moments while receiving treatment at dr. Agoesdjam Regional Hospital in Ketapang. At the time, all four workers were assigned to clean a chimney shaft that was clogged with hardened coal dust.
According to PEM, the collapse happened suddenly and without warning. Coal dust from above gave way and crashed down into the lower section of the chimney.
He said he tried to pull his coworker’s body harness, but the collapse was too fast and too heavy. Two workers who were positioned at the bottom had no chance to escape. PEM himself was buried in coal dust up to his neck.
All victims were immediately evacuated and taken to the hospital. The two survivors have since been allowed to return home after medical observation. Meanwhile, another worker who was outside the chimney and attempted to help reportedly suffered from shock and remains under treatment.
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the accident, including whether proper workplace safety procedures were followed.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that a single moment at work can cost lives.