Firecrackers injure 3 people

SEMARANG, Central Java: Three people were badly injured and three houses destroyed when 20 kilograms of firecrackers exploded Sunday in Temangede village, Gemuh subdistrict, in Kendal regency.

Kendal Police Chief Lt. Col. Syaiful Bahri said 50-year-old Usron, who owned the firecrackers, suffered severe burns, while the two other victims, his neighbors, suffered only mild swelling.

Witnesses said Sunday's explosion could be heard four kilometers away.

The firecrackers were secretly being stored at Usron's house before being sold.

During the first week of Ramadhan this year, Central Java Police said it seized a total of 250,965 firecrackers in Semarang, Jepara, Demak, Salatiga, Surakarta, Pekalongan, and Tegal.

"We will continue our operation to secure the firecrackers to ensure people can have a peaceful fasting month and can enjoy their Idul Fitri celebration," said Central Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Nugroho Djajusman. (har)