UPDATE - Indonesia's Balongan refinery rocked by massive blast

At least 20 injured, serious material damage reported

REVISES DECK, ADDS INFORMATION ON INJURED

By Ibrahim Hakki Cetinkaya

ANKARA (AA) - A massive explosion and fire erupted at Indonesian state oil company Pertamina’s Balongan refinery in Indramayu regency in West Java province, multiple sources reported early Monday.

According to ANI news agency, the blast was so strong that it was felt miles away, and residents of nearby areas were evacuated.

The New Zealand Herald reported that the explosion caused material damage in neighboring residential areas.

The cause of the blast remains unclear, but eyewitnesses told local media outlet Republika that it occurred after heavy rainfall, lightning and thunder.

Republika also reported that the explosion left 20 injured, including five in serious condition.

Firefighters are reportedly struggling to extinguish the flames.

*Writing by Ahmet Gencturk

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