Siak Police in Riau Name Rogue Teacher as Suspect in Fatal Science Experiment Explosion
Siak, Riau - The Siak Resort Police in Riau Province have named a rogue teacher with the initials IP (35) as a suspect in a fatal accident involving an explosion that killed a student during a science practical exam at the Islamic Centre Siak Junior High School.
The Head of Siak Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sepuh Ade Irsyam Siregar, explained that the suspect’s designation is based on elements of negligence or carelessness. As the supervising teacher, the suspect knew that the student’s science project was a weapon using explosive materials.
“The suspect IP already knew that the student’s work could produce an explosion. The victim had also explained the materials used and how it worked. However, the suspect still gave permission for the victim to demonstrate it on the field, leading to this deadly incident,” said the Police Chief in Siak on Tuesday.
He stated that in this case, the police have examined 16 witnesses, including students, teachers, and a forensic doctor. Several pieces of evidence have also been seized, including a 3D printer, laptop, and camera.
Additionally, fragments of 3D printing material shaped like a gun barrel and stock, two black iron pieces measuring 70.5 cm and 81 cm long, and 60 round iron balls. There is also black powder, fuses, matches, and pieces of mosquito coil suspected to be the explosion trigger.
The suspect IP is charged under Article 474 Paragraph (3) of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code (KUHP) for negligence resulting in the loss of another’s life.
“The suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of 5 years or a Category V fine,” said AKBP Sepuh Ade Irsyam Siregar during a press conference, accompanied by the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit AKP Raja Kosmos and the Head of the Women and Children Protection Unit Ipda Andreas Silaban.
It is known that the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday (8/4) when the school was holding a “Science Show” or practical exam for the science subject. The victim, a ninth-grade student with initials MAA (15), along with his group, was about to demonstrate their work in the form of a homemade rifle made using 3D printer technology on the school field.
When it began, the individual warned his friends to stay away from the location. However, as the victim took position and fired, the 3D homemade rifle exploded.
A very loud explosion was heard, scattering fragments of the rifle material towards the hall and classroom walls. Unfortunately, the explosion shards hit the victim’s face and head. Although rushed to the Siak Regional General Hospital, the teenager’s life could not be saved and he was pronounced dead.