10,000 firecrackers seized in Banyumas

BANYUMAS, Central Java: About 10,000 firecrackers and 15 kilograms of gunpowder were confiscated by local police at various locations in the area, Banyumas Police chief Col. Karel Rezakotta said.

The use of firecrackers is banned throughout the country unless by permission.

"Already two people here have become victims of a firecracker explosion," Karel said.

The couple, identified as Rosyid, 42 and Sunarti, 40, suffered from burn wounds in a blast recently while making firecrackers. "They were grinding the gunpowder when suddenly it exploded," Karel said.

Meanwhile in Sukoharjo, seven passengers in a Timbul Jaya bus plying the Surakarta-Wonogiri route were wounded when firecrackers exploded inside the bus on Saturday, local police chief Lt. Col. Suherlan said.

The seven were rushed to Sukohardjo hospital.

"A box of firecrackers onboard the bus exploded when it reached the Sukoharjo bus terminal. We're still investigating the case because nobody admits to being the owner of the firecrackers," Suherlan said. (45/har/edt)