Babel Brimob Bomb Squad Secures Scrap-Metal Yard After Explosion

Tanjungpandan (ANTARA) — The Bomb Disposal Unit (Jibom) of Battalion B, part of the Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob), has secured the scene of an explosion at a scrap-metal yard on Jalan Padat Karya, Air Merbau village, Tanjungpandan, Belitung regency. The operation aims to investigate the cause of the blast and prevent any further danger.

Belitung Police Chief AKBP Satria Darma said in Tanjungpandan on Sunday that the bomb-disposal team had been called in to ensure the scene was safe after a scrap-metal collector was reported to have suffered serious injuries.

“We have enlisted the Bomb Disposal Unit of Battalion B, Bangka Belitung Regional Police Mobile Brigade, to investigate the cause of the explosion, which left one person seriously injured,” Satria said while visiting the scene on Sunday.

He said police received a report of the explosion at about 4 pm local time on Sunday (25 October).

Belitung Police officers arriving at the scene evacuated the seriously injured victim to the nearest hospital for treatment.

After the evacuation, police cordoned off the scene and coordinated with the Bangka Belitung Mobile Brigade to carry out a security sweep.

“The Bangka Belitung Mobile Brigade’s bomb-disposal unit is now at the scene conducting a sweep. We are awaiting the official examination results to establish the source and exact cause of the explosion,” he said.

Initial findings indicate that the victim worked as a collector of used goods and scrap metal. Police strongly suspect that an iron object among the scrap brought in by the victim exploded while it was being weighed or cut.

“One possibility is that an item of scrap metal collected by the victim exploded during weighing or cutting. However, confirmation will depend on a thorough scene examination by the bomb-disposal unit,” he said.

Police are also gathering witness statements to establish the sequence of events, while prioritising a search of the area to ensure there are no other hazardous objects.

“The main priority now is to ensure there is no secondary device or risk of another explosion at the scene. We do not want another incident because of inadequate precautions,” the police chief said.

Following the incident, Belitung Police urged the public, particularly scrap collectors and dealers, to remain alert and report suspicious objects to the authorities.

“If you find an object that looks like an explosive device or leftover war ammunition,” he said.