Firecrackers kill two in E. Java

Firecrackers kill two in E. Java

SIDOARDJO, East Java: Two people were killed and eight others
injured when a hazardous experiment with firecrackers went
terribly wrong.

Witnesses said that Isomudin, 28, a resident of Kenongo
village, and Matkijo, 20, from Telasih village, Tulangan
subdistrict, connected firecracker detonation wires to a
motorcycle battery.

When one of the two men started the motorcycle there was a
huge explosion.

Witnesses said the sound of the explosion could be heard two
kilometers away.

Onlookers tried to help Isomudin and Matkijo, who were
standing closest to the firecrackers, but their injuries were
severe and both died at the scene.

Antara reported that eight others were also injured and taken
to nearby Dr. Soetomo and Sidoarjo hospitals.

Firecrackers are illegal in Indonesia but can still be found
on sale at various locations during celebrations like Idul Fitri.
(mds)