10 injured in market demolition accident

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.