A powerful explosion on Sunday in Indonesia’s East Papua region has resulted in five deaths and injured 20 others. Papua police spokesperson Kaho Sukarnito stated, “The source of the explosion is suspected to be a bomb or mortar left over from World War II.” The blast destroyed nine houses, and three people remain missing.
The blast, which occurred Sunday afternoon local time, caused widespread panic throughout the village. Footage aired by Kompas TV clearly showed a loud roar accompanying the explosion, followed by a massive fireball and thick smoke billowing into the sky. The explosion was so intense that nine surrounding homes were completely demolished. According to police, the blast happened beneath a stilt house—one built on stilts above the ground.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion’s source may be a bomb or mortar from the World War II era. Speaking to AFP, Kaho Sukarnito said, “It is suspected that the explosion originated from a bomb or mortar left from World War II.” Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and the situation remains not fully clarified. Three individuals are still unaccounted for.
Kaho added that the identification process of some human remains found at the scene is still incomplete. At least 19 people have sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment. Indonesia has experienced similar explosion incidents in the past. Last year, 13 people died in West Java province when the Indonesian military detonated unused weapons in a pit.
