Nganjuk Police Investigate Firecracker Explosion That Injured Two Teenagers

Nganjuk — The Nganjuk Police Resort in East Java is investigating a firecracker explosion that occurred in Drenges Village, Kertosono District, resulting in injuries to two teenagers.

According to AKP Fajar Kurniadi, Head of Public Relations at Nganjuk Police Resort, the explosion took place when four teenagers were mixing firecracker materials behind a local resident’s cattle shed in Jabon Hamlet, Drenges Village, Kertosono District, Nganjuk Regency.

“Initially, teenagers AB, MA, and FF gathered at SP’s residence in Jabon Hamlet to collect firecracker materials that they had previously mixed and stored at AB’s house. The firecracker materials were obtained by purchase,” Kurniadi stated in Nganjuk on Tuesday.

He added that the explosion occurred on Monday evening (9 March). The four teenagers were mixing firecracker materials when the substances suddenly detonated before the mixture was complete.

From the incident, two teenagers suffered serious injuries: AB and SP. Both are receiving intensive treatment at a hospital in the Nganjuk region. They sustained injuries to their abdomens, faces, and eyes as a result of the explosion. The other two teenagers sustained minor injuries and were treated on an outpatient basis.

The two other teenagers, FF and MA, are currently being questioned by police. They are being investigated regarding where the materials were purchased and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to their statements to police, the teenagers did not anticipate such a mishap. They initially gathered materials for making fireworks, including chemicals needed for the manufacturing process. The materials had previously been mixed. They brought these materials along with rolled paper that was to be used as firecracker casings. During firecracker assembly, the process involved striking, which is suspected to have triggered the explosion.

Currently, the explosion site around the cattle shed remains cordoned off by police. Authorities have advised the public against manufacturing fireworks and other hazardous materials, as such activities can result in self-injury and harm to others.