A powerful explosion occurred in Papua Province, Indonesia, believed to have been caused by an unexploded World War II bomb or mortar shell. The blast killed at least 5 people and injured nearly 20, while authorities are searching for 3 missing persons and inspecting other unexploded ordnance still found in the area.
The large explosion took place under an elevated house near the coast in a fishing village in the Biak Numfor district of Papua Province, eastern Indonesia. The blast produced a loud roar and a large fireball shooting into the sky, followed by thick smoke. The explosion caused 6 to 9 nearby houses to collapse immediately.
Police Colonel Jahyo Sugarnito, spokesperson for the Papua Police Office, told AFP news agency, "The source of this explosion is strongly suspected to be a bomb or mortar shell leftover from World War II."
Latest reports indicate the incident has resulted in at least 5 deaths and at least 5 people hospitalized. Additionally, at least 19 people suffered minor injuries from building debris. Authorities also reported 3 missing persons. Police revealed that forensic teams are still examining the scene, as multiple unidentified human remains were found.
Following the explosion, rescue teams and relevant agencies quickly evacuated victims and declared a safety perimeter around the area. Officials found another "World War II mortar shell" nearby, which experts confirmed remains live and dangerous.
Although investigators continue working to determine the exact cause, initial witness statements have led police to suspect the explosion occurred while locals were attempting to dismantle the unexploded ordnance.
An unnamed local told reporters, "Reports say the bomb detonated because someone intentionally tried to remove it to take the gunpowder inside, but it exploded while they were disassembling it." However, police said this claim has not been officially confirmed and further forensic examination of the site is necessary.
The Papua Police Office issued a statement urging residents of Biak Numfor district to remain calm and cooperate by not spreading unverified information, while rescue, search, and investigation operations continue.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance from past wars. Biak Island was a fierce battleground during World War II when Japanese forces occupied what was then known as the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia, before Allied forces launched attacks to reclaim the territory. As a result, remnants of old weapons and bombs continue to be discovered decades later.
Last year, a similar incident occurred in West Java Province, where 13 people died, including 9 civilians, due to an explosion during Indonesian military efforts to destroy deteriorated ammunition in a disposal pit.