Devastating WWII-era bomb blast in Biak kills 5, destroys homes, leaves 3 missing

A devastating explosion occurred at the Fisheries Complex on Walter Mongonsidi Street, Fandoi Village, Biak Kota District, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, on Sunday, 31 May 2026. The incident resulted in five deaths and severe damage to several houses.

The shocking incident was captured on video and went viral on social media, showing thick black smoke billowing from the blast site with large flames soaring into the sky. The force of the explosion scattered building debris in multiple directions.

Initial reports suggest the blast may have been caused by an active World War II-era bomb. However, authorities are still investigating the exact cause.

In addition to the wartime bomb theory, authorities are also looking into the possibility of fishing bombs being manufactured at the site.

The explosion caused severe damage to surrounding structures, with several houses leaning precariously due to the blast’s force.

As of Sunday night, a joint team comprising the military (TNI), police (Polri), local government, and relevant agencies continued evacuation efforts, searching for missing residents, and assessing damage.

Papua Police Chief of Public Relations, Commissioner Pol Cahyo Sukarnito, stated that five people had died. Four bodies were taken to Biak General Hospital, while another was evacuated to Biak Naval Hospital.

‘Three other victims remain missing as the joint team continues searching the area,’ Cahyo said on Sunday night, 31 May 2026.

Six houses suffered severe damage from the blast. ‘Authorities are currently conducting further assessments of the material damage caused by the incident,’ he added.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the primary cause of the explosion, with officers gathering information and evidence from the scene.

Initial findings suggest the blast originated beneath a stilt house in the complex. The joint team continues to search the area for missing individuals.