One Soldier Killed in Ammunition Depot Explosion in Madiun
An Indonesian Army (TNI AD) soldier died following an explosion at the Central Ammunition Depot II (Gupusmu II) of the Army Equipment Centre (Puspalad) in Saradan District, Madiun Regency, East Java, on Thursday morning (16/7/2026).
Brigadier General Donny Pramono, Head of the Army Information Service, explained that the incident occurred whilst personnel were carrying out routine inspection and maintenance procedures on ammunition in one of the storage warehouses. Based on initial reports, the work accident resulted in one fatality, four personnel suffering serious injuries, and two others sustaining minor injuries.
He stated that the unit immediately evacuated all victims to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment and reported the incident procedurally through the chain of command to headquarters. The Army has assured it will provide full attention and assistance to the family of the fallen soldier as well as to the personnel currently undergoing treatment.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the soldier who fell in the line of duty, and we pray that all victims currently receiving treatment are granted a swift recovery and can be restored to full health,” Donny said during a press conference on Thursday (16/7/2026).
To thoroughly investigate the explosion at the Madiun ammunition depot, Donny stated that the Army has officially formed a special investigation team to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. The team was dispatched to the location this afternoon to ascertain the exact chronology and primary cause of the ammunition incident.
Donny stressed that the investigation into the Madiun ammunition depot explosion will be conducted professionally, objectively, and transparently. The Army is committed to handling this incident with the utmost seriousness, both in terms of victim care and the technical and operational evaluation of the ammunition storage facility.
“The Indonesian Army has taken initial handling steps by providing full attention and assistance to the victims, coordinating with hospitals, and forming an investigation team to conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the exact chronology and cause of the incident,” Donny affirmed.