Explosion in Situbondo Suspected to Originate from Firecracker Factory, 1 Dead and 7 Injured
Situbondo Police in East Java are investigating a massive explosion that destroyed several houses and killed a resident. The blast is suspected to have occurred at a firecracker production site.
As reported by Antara, the home belonging to Kulsum (60), a resident of Mimbo hamlet, Sumberanyar village, Banyuputih district, Situbondo, collapsed after an explosion occurred on Wednesday (18 February) at around midday, approximately 12.00 local time. The powerful blast is believed to have originated from firecracker powder stored inside her house.
"According to witness statements from residents near the scene, the explosion occurred at around 12.00 local time," said Situbondo Police Chief AKBP Bayu Anuwar Sidiqie at the scene on Wednesday.
As a result of the explosion, he continued, seven people sustained burns and fractures, whilst another victim named Supriyadi (50) died after being trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed house.
According to Bayu, five of the victims — Samsul (22), Riko (25), Faiz (20), Fino (25), and Kulsum (60) — were taken to Asembagus District Hospital. Meanwhile, one victim, Abdurrahman (15), was referred to dr Abdoer Rahem District Hospital in Situbondo due to suffering severe burns.
"Abdurrahman was referred to dr Abdoer Rahem District Hospital because he sustained burns to approximately 90 per cent of his body," he said.
From observations at the scene, Kulsum's house, which is suspected to have been used for storing powder and manufacturing firecrackers, was completely levelled, and several neighbouring houses were also damaged by the blast.
As reported by Antara, the home belonging to Kulsum (60), a resident of Mimbo hamlet, Sumberanyar village, Banyuputih district, Situbondo, collapsed after an explosion occurred on Wednesday (18 February) at around midday, approximately 12.00 local time. The powerful blast is believed to have originated from firecracker powder stored inside her house.
"According to witness statements from residents near the scene, the explosion occurred at around 12.00 local time," said Situbondo Police Chief AKBP Bayu Anuwar Sidiqie at the scene on Wednesday.
As a result of the explosion, he continued, seven people sustained burns and fractures, whilst another victim named Supriyadi (50) died after being trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed house.
According to Bayu, five of the victims — Samsul (22), Riko (25), Faiz (20), Fino (25), and Kulsum (60) — were taken to Asembagus District Hospital. Meanwhile, one victim, Abdurrahman (15), was referred to dr Abdoer Rahem District Hospital in Situbondo due to suffering severe burns.
"Abdurrahman was referred to dr Abdoer Rahem District Hospital because he sustained burns to approximately 90 per cent of his body," he said.
From observations at the scene, Kulsum's house, which is suspected to have been used for storing powder and manufacturing firecrackers, was completely levelled, and several neighbouring houses were also damaged by the blast.