Two dead, seven injured by cannon fire

Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

Two residents of Kupang regency were killed and seven others injured on Monday when an old Japanese cannon misfired, sending shrapnel through a crowd that had gathered for a funeral.

The cannon, which dates back to World War II, was fired during the burial of a royal member of the Kudjiratu tribe in Kupang district, East Sabu.

The two dead victims were identified as Lutha Dubbu, 17, and Decky Konga, 13.

The sever people injured in the incident were identified as Mata Lay, 27, Dule Ratu, 41, Luha Djaka, 13, Buce Djami Wahi, 9, G.A. Dubbu, 10, Hani Rae, 8, and Isak Ngapa, 11.

Kupang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. J.B. Gebana said officers were investigating the incident.

Elizabeth Doko, a doctor at a community health center in East Sabu district, said the seven injured victims were being treated at the health center.

"The other two people died at the scene of the accident from loss of blood," she said.

It has become tradition to fire the cannon during the burial of royal members of the tribe. This is the first time the tradition led to fatalities.