Petasan explosion in Pekalongan causes 9 people injured

Pekalongan - The Pekalongan City Police, Central Java, are investigating the case of a firecracker explosion in Noyontaansari Village, East Pekalongan District, which resulted in nine people being injured.

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Pekalongan City Police, AKP Setiyanto, said the explosion occurred when a number of teenagers were assembling firecrackers inside the house using a hammer and screwdriver.

"We have processed the crime scene and examined witnesses and coordinated with the Central Java Police," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, March 21.

In addition, the police also seized a number of remnants of evidence, such as the casing of firecrackers containing powder or still empty.

Based on the testimony of witnesses, the sound of the explosion was heard from the direction of an empty house which was about three meters away from the victim's residence.

The impact of the petasan explosion caused the glass of the residents' houses to break and the roof and tiles were damaged. In addition, the explosion victims suffered burns and minor injuries on several parts of their bodies.

The victims were evacuated to Bendan Hospital, Siti Khodijah Hospital, and the nearest clinic for medical treatment.

Currently, the police are still conducting further investigations to determine the exact cause of the firecracker explosion.

"Based on the witness's statement, the explosives for the firecracker were purchased online," he said.

He appealed to the public not to make or light firecrackers or other explosives because it was high risk to safety.

"We invite the public not to make and light firecrackers, especially with high explosive power. In addition to endangering themselves and others, it can also cause damage," he said.