Biak WWII Bomb Blast Levels Homes, Five Killed

Ten homes were damaged by an explosion suspected to be a leftover World War II bomb in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, resulting in five deaths.

Biak Police Station Chief Inspector Ipda Daniel Rumpaidus stated that preliminary data indicates ten homes were affected by the blast, with police continuing to assess casualties and damage. ‘Preliminary data shows ten homes were damaged by the World War II bomb,’ he said.

Daniel added that eight casualties were recorded, five of whom died in the explosion at approximately 2:45 PM WIT at the Fishery Complex on Walter Mongonsidi Street, Yenures Village, Biak Kota District.

Biak Numfor Police Chief AKBP Ari Trestiawan confirmed five bodies had been recovered, with three others still being searched for by a joint military and police team. ‘Five bodies have been found, with three still missing,’ Ari said.

Authorities are currently evacuating the area and conducting sterilisation operations to prevent further explosives from endangering residents.