Ponorogo firecracker explosion victim dies after four days in hospital

Ponorogo, East Java (ANTARA) – One of two victims of a firecracker explosion in Dukuh Cuwet, Desa Plosojenar, Kecamatan Kauman, Kabupaten Ponorogo, East Java, died after undergoing intensive care for four days at RSUD dr. Harjono. RSUD dr. Harjono Ponorogo spokesperson Sugianto said the victim, initials AFT, died on Thursday (5 March) at 05:40 WIB after suffering serious burns and respiratory tract impairment. “The burn wounds covered about 36 percent of the body. In addition, there was an impairment to the respiratory tract, so the patient required intensive care,” Sugianto said. He explained that medical teams had cleaned the wounds in the operating theatre before the patient was admitted to the ICU for specialised care. During treatment, the patient also used breathing apparatus. According to Sugianto, the blast injuries occurred in the neck area, affecting the blood vessels and the airway. “Over the four days in ICU, the patient used a ventilator. The burns around the neck disrupted the blood vessels and airway, ultimately leading to respiratory failure,” he said. Despite maximum treatment, the patient’s condition deteriorated and she/he was pronounced dead. In addition to burns, infection risks from the explosion also worsened the patient’s condition during treatment. Sugianto added that for the patient’s treatment costs, the hospital coordinated with several parties because not all costs could be covered by BPJS Kesehatan. “The hospital bears part of the costs, and we have coordinated with Baznas and the village authorities to help with funding solutions,” he said. Meanwhile, the other victim, initials HDA, who had about 16% burns, was reportedly allowed to go home after their health improved.