Chronology Of The TNI's Munition Explosion In Garut: 13 Killed, Including 9 Civilians

JAKARTA - The deadly explosion occurred during the process of destroying the military officer in Sagara Village, Cibalong District, Garut, Monday (12/5) at 09.30 WIB. A total of 13 people were killed, including four soldiers of the Indonesian Army and nine civilians.

According to the Head of the Army Information Service (Kadispenad) Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana in his official statement Monday, (12/5), the activity began with checking security procedures. The member was put into two wells to be destroyed. The first explosion took place safely and perfectly.

However, the tragedy occurred when the team arranged the destruction of the remaining detonators in the third hole which was different from the previous two holes.

"Suddenly an explosion occurred from inside the third hole, which should have only been used to destroy the remaining detonators. It was this explosion that killed 13 people," Brigadier General Wahyu explained in a press statement.

Four victims from elements of the Indonesian Army are Colonel Antonius Hermawan, Head of the Munisi 3 Central Warehouse, Major Anda Rohanda, Head of the Warehouse Administration Section, Kopda Eri Priambodo and Kopda Ratu Aprio Seriawan, warehouse members

Nine civilian victims include Agus, Ipan, Anwar, Ius, Ius Rizal, Toto, Rustiawan, and Endang.

All bodies have been evacuated to Pameungpeuk Hospital for the identification and burial process.

The location of the explosion is land owned by the Garut PKSDA which is commonly used for the destruction of munitions, and geographically far from settlements. However, civilian casualties continued to fall, and this is part of an intensive investigation currently being carried out by the Indonesian Army.

"Currently the location is still being sterilized because there is a potential for dangerous materials left," said Wahyu.

The Indonesian Army stated that it would conduct a thorough investigation to reveal the cause of the explosion and how civilians could become victims in a zone that should be sterile.

"We express our deepest condolences. The investigation is ongoing, and we will convey the results openly," concluded Wahyu.