Three die in firecracker blast

SEMARANG: Three people were instantly killed and two others injured when a firecracker they were igniting exploded at Banyuripalit village in South Pekalongan district on Sunday afternoon.

Central Java Police spokesman Lt. Col. M. Ramlie identified on Monday the fatalities as Taufik, 19, Jumeri, 19 and Zahri, 18. While the injured were Kasturah, 17, and six-year-old Fauzan.

The large firecracker was attached to several balloons which were supposed to carry it up a few meters where it would burst into a colorful rainbow to celebrate the Idul Fitri festivities.

"But the balloons could not bear the firecraker's weight and failed to lift it up," Ramlie said.

Three houses were badly damaged due to the blast. The injured victims were being treated at Kraton Hospital in Pekalongan. (har/edt)