1.2m firecrackers seized in Indramayu

INDRAMAYU, West Java: The Indramayu Police seized and destroyed some 1.2 million fireworks in a Saturday raid that followed on the heels of the deadly blaze on a passenger bus last week that claimed 13 lives.

The raid on traditional fireworks production centers in the area had been mounted as a result of the incident, said Indramayu Police chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Eko Hadi Sutedjo.

Arjawinangun subdistrict in Cirebon regency as well as Lohbener and Jatibarang in Indramayu regency are well-known for the traditional fireworks business.

A PO Bhineka bus, which was carrying five sacks of fireworks, was engulfed by a blaze that was triggered by the fireworks on Aug. 23 in the Lohbener area. --JP