Four injured by firecrackers

BANDUNG: At least four people were injured after a powerful firecracker exploded at the city square (Alun-Alun) at noon Wednesday.

Bandung Police chief Sr. Supt. Timur Pradopo confirmed the incident, explaining that four people had been rushed to the hospital. The extent of their injuries and their identities had not been determined.

Pradopo said that the homemade firecracker was explosive material packed in a small bottle with a long fuse.

He said the firecracker was lit by a group of teenagers at the city square where people were shopping.

Six teenagers were arrested following the explosion. The officers first caught Dinar, who lit the firecracker, before arresting the other five minutes later.

They claimed to be students of an Islamic boarding school in Tasikmalaya who were in Bandung for sightseeing.

"They said they lit the firecracker just for fun," Pradopo said, adding that the firecracker was very powerful.

The six may face 12 years imprisonment for violating Emergency Law No. 12/1961 on explosives. (25/sur)