Blast rocks 3 houses

JAKARTA (JP): An explosion at the residence and workshop of a firecracker manufacturer destroyed three houses, including the manufacturer's residence, in the Duri Kepa area of West Jakarta.

West Jakarta Police detectives said that three people were injured in the explosion, including the owner of the firecracker workshop, Haji Sanusi, who reportedly suffered serious injuries to his hand and had to be rushed to the nearby Tarakan Hospital in West Jakarta.

"Sanusi's hand was severely injured. We still have no idea what caused the explosion," police officer Wahyu told reporters at the scene in neighborhood unit No. 12, Duri Kepa, West Jakarta.

The explosion occurred at Haji Sanusi's home in Duri Kepa, where firecrackers are made and stored. The firecrackers are reportedly made for parties and other festive occasions in the Duri Kepa area.

However, when The Jakarta Post contacted the Tarakan Hospital, no person by the name of Sanusi had been registered there. (ylt)