Police investigate homemade firecracker explosion that kills teenager in Ponorogo

Ponorogo, East Java – Police at Ponorogo District Station in East Java are investigating a case of homemade firecracker explosion that killed a teenager in Dukuh Cuwet, Plosojenar Village, Kauman District, Ponorogo Regency on Sunday at approximately 5:00 PM local time.

The deceased victim, identified as R (16), was a resident of Plosojenar Village. Another victim, T, from Sukorejo District sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing intensive care at Bantarangin General Hospital.

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Unit of Ponorogo Police Station responded immediately upon receiving reports of the incident and conducted forensic investigation at the scene to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Several pieces of evidence were secured for investigative purposes.

“I heard an extremely loud explosion sound and immediately went to the location,” a witness stated. Upon arrival, they found the house severely damaged with two victims lying at the front of the residence.

Another resident, Endra Dwiono, reported that the explosion sound could be heard from approximately three kilometres away from the incident location. As of the time of reporting, police continue to investigate the preliminary finding that the explosion originated from homemade firecrackers.

Authorities have urged the public to refrain from manufacturing or setting off firecrackers as they pose serious risks to personal safety and that of others.