Indonesian Tanker Burns While Under Repairs at Home

DNA testing will be necessary to identify seven fatalities found after explosions aboard an Indonesian oil tanker Monday triggered a massive fire at North Sumatra’s Belawan port that burned for hours.

Police warn that the death toll may rise, Indonesian media report. Twenty-two personnel injured in the fire were rushed to local hospitals with some reportedly onboard still missing.

Docked for repairs, the 820-foot tanker Jag Leela ignited after two explosions of unknown origin. Fire spread to at least one other vessel docked beside the burning tanker.

The explosions were so intense that nearby homes ashore received minor damage, police told media.

Firefighters operating from a much smaller vessel directed water onto the tanker but with little affect.