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)