An explosion in a fishing village in Papua province on the afternoon of 31/5 shocked local residents. The blast, which occurred under a stilt house, killed five people, injured 19, and destroyed nine homes. Television footage showed a large fireball erupting, followed by a thick column of smoke rising into the sky.

Cahyo Sukarnito, Papua provincial police spokesman, said on 1/6 that the explosion was likely caused by a bomb or mortar shell remaining from World War II. Three people are still missing, and authorities have found several unidentified body parts. "We will provide more information after completing the search for victims and the investigation", Cahyo added.

Many homes were damaged after the explosion in a fishing village in Papua province. Photo: Akuratco

This incident follows a similar tragedy last year in West Java province, where 13 people, including nine civilians, died during the Indonesian military's disposal of discarded ammunition. Indonesia served as a key battlefield during World War II, with Japanese forces occupying the territory then known as the Dutch East Indies before Allied campaigns regained control. Consequently, numerous unexploded bombs, ordnance, and explosive materials persist in various areas today, posing an ongoing danger to civilians.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)