A massive fire is burning in a gas pipeline following an explosion this morning in Gampong Blang Rubek, Lhoksukon District, North Aceh Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia 🇮🇩 (May 22)
🇮🇩 A major gas fire erupted today in Gampong Blang Rubek, North Aceh, Indonesia after a village water well drilling project reportedly hit a gas pocket around 90 metres underground.
Witnesses described mud, gas, rocks, and flames blasting high into the air with some reports estimating flames reached 100 metres. At least 3 homes were heavily damaged and around 52 residents evacuated. No deaths have been reported so far.
The fire has been successfully extinguished.
Indonesian authorities have shut down several screenings of a new documentary on alleged human rights abuses in Papua, including Indigenous land seizures. Rights groups and international media still face restricted access to the region.
Al Jazeera’s @JesWashington reports.