Karawang residents hospitalized following suspected caustic soda gas leak

Dozens of residents in Kutamekar Village, Ciampel District, Karawang Regency, West Java, were evacuated to hospitals after a suspected caustic soda gas leak on Thursday morning, October 29, 2026.

The leak is suspected to have originated from the PT Pindo Deli Dua factory. Witnesses reported a pungent, mist-like smoke emerging from a factory chimney around 5:30 AM, which quickly spread to nearby residential areas. Affected individuals reported symptoms including shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, throat pain, and fainting.

Medical teams at Rosela Hospital and an emergency post at the Kutamekar Village Hall have been working to stabilize patients, many of whom required oxygen assistance. The Karawang Police and INAFIS forensic units have been deployed to the factory to conduct a crime scene investigation and determine the exact cause of the leak.