Two killed in kettle explosion

BANDUNG: Two workers at a cracker factory on Jl. Sukaati Mengger were killed and seven severely injured when an underground steam kettle exploded on Saturday.

The accident occurred at 5:30 a.m. about 30 minutes after factory workers at Mekar Raya -- which employs nine workers, lit a stove housed under the kettle.

Eyewitnesses said that the huge explosion was preceded by a minor explosion in one of several large underground kettles.

The larger explosion scattered everything in the 120-square- meter building.

Instantly killed in the explosion were Wawan, 18, and Mimi, 50, who sat nearest to one of the kettles, which contained boiling water.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident. (17)