At least five people have lost their lives after the explosion of a World War II bomb in a residential area of the Biak district, in the Indonesian province of Papua, as confirmed by local authorities.
The strong blast occurred in the town of Yenures and was recorded by several security cameras located in the port area of Biak. The images show significant damage to at least six homes near the explosion site, according to information released by the Kompas TV channel.
As detailed by security forces, the five fatalities were initially transferred to the Biak Regional Hospital, where their deaths were subsequently confirmed. At the same time, three other people are being sought whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Medical sources have put the number of injured at 19 and the number of displaced people at 55, including three babies. However, official investigations have not yet begun, as it is awaiting the intervention of specialized explosive ordnance disposal teams to secure the area and minimize any additional risks.
The Police have indicated that, according to initial findings, the device—presumably from World War II—detonated on Sunday afternoon. Biak Island was used as an air base by Japanese forces during that war conflict.