Explosion at Situbondo House in East Java Kills One

A powerful explosion struck a residential house in Dusun Mimbo, Sumberanyar Village, Banyuputih District, Situbondo, East Java. The building was severely damaged and one person was reported dead.

Situbondo Police Chief AKBP Bayu Anuwar Sidiqie said the explosion occurred at the home of a resident named Kulsum (60) on Wednesday (18 February) afternoon.

“According to witness statements near the scene, the explosion occurred at approximately 12.00 WIB,” Bayu said.

The preliminary suspicion is that the house was being used to store firecracker-making materials. The structure has now been completely levelled. A number of neighbouring houses were also affected by the blast.

Bayu said one victim, identified as Supriyadi (50), died as a result of the incident. Six other people sustained burn injuries and bone fractures from falling debris.

Five of the injured victims — Samsul (22), Riko (25), Faiz (20), Fino (25) and Kulsum (60) — were rushed to Asembagus Regional Hospital.

“Meanwhile, one injured victim, Abdurrahman (15), was referred to dr Abdoer Rahem Regional Hospital in Situbondo as he sustained burns covering approximately 90 per cent of his body,” he said.