On Monday, October 14, 2024, a tragic workplace accident at Batu Ampar’s Makobar Port claimed the life of a dock worker employed by a cargo handling company. The worker died after falling from a ship’s hatch during loading operations at the container terminal.
The incident, which occurred at Makobar Port, Batu Ampar, shocked onlookers and fellow workers. Eyewitnesses reported that the worker fell from the ship’s hatch onto a stack of recently unloaded pipes, sustaining fatal injuries. Despite efforts by other workers to assist him, the worker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses confirmed that the accident occurred during the ship’s unloading operations. “The victim fell from the ship’s hatch onto a stack of pipes. He died on the spot,” one eyewitness stated on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The incident quickly drew the attention of port workers and staff, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety protocols.
Authorities from the Barelang Police Department arrived promptly to evacuate the victim’s body. AKP Debby Tri Andrestian, Head of Criminal Investigation at Barelang Police, confirmed the accident, stating that the body was taken to a hospital before being sent to the victim’s hometown. “Yes, it happened yesterday, and unfortunately, the worker passed away,” Debby reported.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and whether negligence in workplace safety protocols played a role. As of now, no formal statements have been issued by the employer concerning the accident that claimed the worker’s life.
Fellow workers and nearby residents are calling for immediate action to improve safety standards at the port to prevent future incidents. Concerns are growing over the need for stricter safety measures in the cargo handling area to prevent similar tragedies.
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This accident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of adhering to strict safety protocols, especially in high-risk environments like ports. Authorities and stakeholders are urged to review current practices and ensure that all employees work in a safe and secure environment.
The incident at Batu Ampar Port has raised concerns about worker safety in Batam’s port facilities. As the investigation continues, workers and the public hope for stronger enforcement of safety regulations to prevent further accidents.
A dock worker tragically died after falling from a ship’s hatch at Batu Ampar Port, Batam, during a cargo unloading operation on October 14, 2024. Despite the efforts of fellow workers, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine if safety negligence was involved. The accident has raised concerns about port safety, with calls for stronger safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: Tribun News (2024)
