7 Facts: WWII-era Bomb Explosion Kills 5 in Biak Numfor

A suspected World War II-era bomb exploded in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, killing five people and leaving three others missing. The blast occurred at the Fishery Complex on Walter Mongonsidi Street, Yenures Village, Biak Kota District, at around 2:45 PM WIT on Sunday (31 May), damaging several houses.

Police believe the explosion originated from beneath a stilt house. “Based on initial information from the scene, the blast occurred near the area under one of the stilt houses in the complex,” said Papua Police Public Relations Chief, Kombes Cahyo Sukarnito.

The sequence of events leading to the explosion remains unclear. Witnesses reported a sudden, loud blast that caused panic, prompting nearby residents to assist the victims.

All five deceased were members of the same family. The victims have been evacuated to Biak Regional Hospital and are scheduled for burial at Surido Public Cemetery today. The confirmed dead include Deflin Raubaba (41), Moris Raubaba (24), Karmila Ayorbaba (25), Israel Raubaba (7), and Isril Raubaba (5). Three others remain missing: Yulianus Raubaba (26), Lai Madura (45), and Anis Marandof (27).

The cause of the explosion has not been determined, though authorities suspect it was a WWII-era bomb or mortar. Police are focusing on securing the crime scene to prevent further danger to personnel and the public.

Forensic teams found body parts at the scene, now held at the hospital for examination. Cahyo confirmed the five confirmed dead will be buried today, while the search continues for the three missing.

The explosion also caused 19 minor injuries and forced 55 people to evacuate, including three children and 52 adults. Twelve houses were damaged, nine severely and three with minor damage.