Death toll rises to six following WWII-era bomb explosion in Biak

The Head of Public Relations for the Papua Regional Police, Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, stated that the death toll from an explosion caused by a suspected World War II-era bomb in Biak on Sunday (31/5) has risen to six people. The number of casualties increased after a victim, identified as Mina Puadi (51), was reported to have passed away in the early hours of Tuesday.

Initially, the victim, who had sustained minor injuries, complained of her condition. After undergoing intensive medical examination at the Biak Regional General Hospital (RSUD Biak), she was hospitalised but subsequently died on Tuesday morning. “With the passing of Mina, there are now six recorded fatalities from the WWII-era bomb explosion in Biak on Sunday,” said Cahyo Sukarnito in Jayapura on Tuesday.

The five previously recorded deceased victims are Deflin Raubaba (41), Moris Raubaba (24), Karmila Ayorbaba (25), Israel Raubaba (7), and Isril Raubaba (5). According to reports, 19 people were initially recorded as injured in the incident, including the late Mina Puadi.

The bomb, which exploded in the Fisheries Complex, Fandoi Village, Biak City District, Biak Numfor Regency, on Sunday (31/5), also left three people reported missing. The missing individuals are Yulianus Raubaba (26), Lae Madura (45), and Abis Marandof (27). Joint SAR teams are continuing search efforts, focusing on the coastline and the outer perimeter of the crime scene. The scene remains cordoned off as the Papua Regional Police bomb disposal unit continues sterilising the area to ensure safety from further explosives. “Once the area is declared safe, the Papua Regional Police forensic laboratory team will conduct a crime scene investigation,” added Cahyo.