Children killed in grenade blast

Children killed in grenade blast

KEBUMEN, Central Java: Four boys were killed when a grenade
exploded in a pine forest which served as a military training
ground in Bonasari village here on Tuesday.

A local police information service was quoted by Antara as
saying that it was suspected that the grenade exploded when the
children, who were identified as Tri Setiawan, 11, Fajar
Andrianto, 10, Cipto Priyono, 9, and Oki Octadari, 11, were
playing with it. They lived near the forest, which was their
favorite playground.

Nearby residents have been restricted from entering the area
since training for new military recruits began on Oct. 8. Wooden
planks inscribed with warnings had been placed on every corner.

Despite the warnings, some villagers entered the dangerous
zone to collect discarded bullet shells which they later sold.

The incident took place just after a new group of recruits had
finished regular training. Police suspected that the grenade was
overlooked when military instructors cleared the area.

Chief of local police Lt. Col. Totok Sudhiarto said police and
local military commanders were investigating the incident. (amd)