Gunpowder blast damages 50 houses

KENDAL, Central Java: About 50 kilograms of gunpowder stored in a bamboo bush exploded in Karangdowo village on Sunday afternoon, leaving 50 houses damaged.

Central Java Police chief Lt. Col. M. Ramlie said on Monday that the gunpowder's owner, identified as Wasijan, 40, had escaped along with his family.

"We're now tracking him down," Ramlie said.

The massive blast rocked the village and cracked houses, leaving a sizable hole in the ground, measuring four square meters. However, no fatalities or injured parties were reported in the incident.

"His neighbors repeatedly warned him of the danger of gunpowder," Ramli said. (har/edt)