14 May Indonesia
At least 13 people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed in a powerful explosion during the disposal of expired ammunition in Garut.
A tragic explosion in the disposal of expired ammunition in Sagara village, Garut district, West Java, Indonesia, killed at least 13 people, including 4 soldiers and 9 civilians. There were several injuries, and those people are being treated.
The cause of the blast was not immediately clear.
The Indonesian Army was in the process of disposing of used explosives, which had accumulated storage in a military facility for an undetermined amount of time, in an environmental protection area managed by the West Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency.
This location was chosen because it is remote and distant from civilian habitation zones, and it is a common location for military disposal operations. Military authorities reported there were two explosions in quick succession, and the cause is still being investigated, and whether the standard protocol for disposal was followed.
Major General Kristomei Sianturi, Indonesian military spokesperson, stated that it is common for there to be civilians who pick up metal pieces, copper, or scrap iron from grenades and mortars, “And there could be a sudden second explosion after that.”
The site has been evacuated to make sure people will be safe in case of further explosions.
Video from local media showed the explosions lighting up the sky, followed by emergency personnel treating the wounded. Some people were injured and are receiving medical care.
This tragedy is a reminder about the importance of enforced safety measures while disposing of obsolete munitions to avert repeat incidents.
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