KPC mining operator killed in dump truck accident
Saturday, May 30 2026 - 07:53 PM WIB
A heavy equipment operator was killed after being struck by a dump truck tire at the coal mining site of PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) in Sangatta, East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, in the early hours of May 29, local media reported.
The victim, Viki Alpiansyah, was an employee of PT Borneo Prima Jasa, a labor supply contractor supporting KPC's Mining Operation Division.
According to an internal company memorandum signed by Acting Mine Technical Manager Poltak Sinaga, the accident occurred at about 1:28 a.m. local time at the Seluang Dumping Point.
The memorandum said the victim was operating a CAT789 dump truck, unit T725, while dumping overburden material. As the truck reversed at the dumping point, it became stuck, causing the front section of the vehicle to lift as material was discharged from the rear tray.
The operator then exited the cabin and moved to the front of the truck in an apparent attempt to avoid danger. He reportedly stood on the air cleaner housing and prepared to jump. However, after the entire load had been discharged, the front of the truck suddenly returned to its normal position.
"After the load had been completely discharged, the front of the truck came back down, and the No. 1 tire (front left tire) struck the victim," the memorandum stated.
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A nearby dozer operator who witnessed the incident immediately checked the scene and found the victim beneath the truck's front tire before reporting the accident to supervisors.
An emergency response team was dispatched to provide assistance. However, following a medical examination, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:47 a.m. local time by KPC's Chief Medical Officer.
KPC said the fatal accident had been reported to the Chief Mining Inspector and that a comprehensive investigation was underway to determine the cause of the incident.
"More detailed information will be provided once the investigation process has been completed," Poltak Sinaga said in the memorandum.
KPC management and company officials expressed condolences to the victim's family. As of publication, no further details had been released regarding preliminary findings or potential safety measures arising from the investigation.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak