Massive Chemical Spill Causes Over 100 Injuries on Java’s Purwakarta-Padalarang Road
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – A catastrophic chemical spill involving caustic soda liquid (NaOH) on the Purwakarta-Padalarang Road in Bandung Barat, West Java, left over 100 people injured on Tuesday morning (24/12) WIB.
The spill occurred when a tanker carrying the hazardous chemical overturned, releasing the caustic soda onto the road and affecting several passing vehicles, causing accidents. Eye irritation, skin burns, and other injuries were reported among the affected drivers.
Cimahi Police Chief, AKBP Tri Suhartanto, confirmed that over 100 people were injured, with four requiring immediate hospital treatment. "Most of the injuries were minor, but there were four cases of severe burns," he reported, as cited by Detik.
The majority of injuries were caused by direct contact with the spilled chemical, while some were the result of falling off motorcycles and onto the affected roads. The spill occurred on a section of the road where vehicles were traveling from Purwakarta towards Bandung, leading to a significant number of casualties.
Kasi Dokkes Polres Cimahi, Ipda Novia Dwiwira Rizky, attributed the widespread effects of the spill to the chemical’s corrosive nature and its interaction with rainfall. "That’s why many motorcycle riders complained of eye irritation, skin heat, and itchiness. Some even suffered burns as a result of falling and coming into direct contact with the chemical," she explained.
The spill was traced back to a truck belonging to a private company, with the license plate number D 9475 AF. The chemical caused the road surface and affected vehicles to turn white.
Writers: Wiw Secorani & Wiw Sartika
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