10 injured in market demolition accident

Airnur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

Ten people were injured, three critically, during the controversial demolition of the Wonokromo traditional market in Surabaya, East Java, after an excavator accidentally tore down several kiosks.

Sholeh, 45, Mrs. Makna, 60, and Muhsin, 30, were listed as being in a critical condition in hospital. Four others, also taken to hospital, were named as Hasyim, 35, Akhmad Haqi, 52, Tris, 35, and Hafiludin, 40. They were either street vendors or scavengers. The remainder were not identified.

Eyewitness Ahmad Busirie, head of the legal and public relations' section of the Wonokromo Traders Association, said an excavator was attempting to demolish a wall in the northern part of the market when it struck a kiosk in section D, where used clothes are sold.

Within seconds, the wooden kiosk collapsed, causing several other connected kiosks to collapse also, he said.

The incident angered traders standing by who have been protesting against the demolition. They demanded the demolition be stopped immediately.

Surabaya city authorities agreed to demolish the market to pave the way for the construction of Darmo Trade Center by PT Ariwinto Intan Wijaya.

The plan prompted the eviction of 2,800 traders, despite their protests.

Following the incident, the demolition work resumed with workers tearing down kiosks by hand.

"The city government and investors should be held responsible for the tragedy for failing to secure the market before conducting operations," Ahmad said.

He said seven victims had been taken to Ramelan Hospital. "The number of victims actually reached ten, while three remained unidentified."

Market finance director A. Ghanis Purnomo said: "It was unintentional because we plan to demolish those kiosks (in section D) on Thursday night.

"We will give financial assistance to the victims to cover their hospital treatment and other purposes," he said without mentioning any amount.

Entering the third day of the demolition work, most of the buildings had been cleared with the exception of wooden view kiosks.

Police and city officials are monitoring the situation to ensure security in the area.