North Maluku Governor Candidate Benny Laos Killed In Speedboat Fire

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- A candidate for the governorship of North Maluku, Benny Laos, died after a fire broke out on a speedboat at Bobong Harbour, Taliabu Island, at 2.05 pm local time on Saturday.

Taliabu Police said six people were killed, including Laos, who sustained severe burns and a broken leg. Four others, including Benny's wife, survived the incident.

“According to the medical team, there was no pulse for over two hours,” said Chief Assistant Commissioner Totok Handoyo, as quoted by local news outlet Tribune Ternate.

Despite that, he said Laos’ family wanted cardiopulmonary resuscitation to be administered.

Totok said Laos and his team had boarded the speedboat while it was refuelling, as they were heading to campaign in Kawalo Village, West Taliabu district.

“During the refuelling, an explosion occurred, followed by flames engulfing the vessel,” he added.

Efforts to put out the fire and evacuate the victims were coordinated by the fire department, police, military, and local residents.

The full extent of the incident, including the number of individuals still unaccounted for, remains unclear as investigation is ongoing.

The upcoming regional election in November will span 508 districts and cities across 37 provinces in the republic.

-- BERNAMA