Gas explosion rocks Kalibata

JAKARTA: A blast reportedly caused by a leaking gas pipe rocked Rawajati subdistrict in Kalibata, South Jakarta, late on Friday. Two people suffered minor injuries.

The explosion, which came from within a trench along the side of the street, seriously damaged the concrete covering of the trench. Residents in the area said that they felt a jolt similar to that of a small earthquake.

Pancoran Police chief Adj. Comr. Sainan said on Saturday the police had not yet determined the cause of the explosion.

No traces of explosives, ammunition or shrapnel were found by the bomb squad, he added, while samples from the blast's location had been sent to the National Police forensics unit for further analysis.

Sainan said that a similar blast had occurred at a nearby location on Feb. 24. -- JP