A tragedy occurred in Indonesia during the disposal of dangerous munitions: in West Java Province, on a designated site for the destruction of arsenals, at least 13 people, including four military personnel, were killed during a scheduled disposal of expired and decommissioned military equipment
The incident took place in the village of Sagara, Garut District, in a protected natural area under state control, but its consequences have significantly impacted the safety and lives of local residents and servicemen. According to information received from Major General Kristome Siyanthuri, a representative of the Indonesian Armed Forces, the tragedy happened following the first explosion at the site. During the disposal process, a second, unexpected blast occurred, causing widespread destruction, numerous casualties, and injuries. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 13 people died as a result of the incident, including four servicemen. Several others were injured of varying severity and are currently hospitalized for medical treatment. The causes of this tragic event are still being investigated. Security authorities are considering the possibility of violations of standard protocols for munition disposal, according to Kristome Siyanthuri. Specifically, checks are underway to verify compliance with all necessary safety measures during the destruction of stockpiles, as mishandling such highly explosive substances can lead to disasters. The incident site is an uninhabited humanitarian zone controlled by the West Java Natural Resources Preservation Agency. This area is designated for munition disposal activities and is located at a considerable distance from residential areas, somewhat reducing the potential risk to local populations. However, despite these precautions, the integrity of such operations often raises concerns among residents of nearby villages. Local people frequently look for metal fragments left after disposal, such as parts of grenades, mortars, and ammunition for similar weapons, contemplating the possibility of repurposing various scrap metals. Witnesses report that, as is often the case, after such searches, a sudden second explosion can occur, causing additional destruction and human casualties. TV channels broadcast footage of a massive explosion illuminating the night sky with thick black smoke and flames. Photographs show that, following the initial blast, another, less obvious but equally dangerous, explosion also took place nearby. Emergency services promptly attended the incident area, evacuating the wounded and the deceased, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the situation. The incident raises concerns about safety procedures during munition disposal in countries where large stockpiles of military supplies are stored and highlights the need for strict protocols and control to ensure security during such complex and potentially hazardous operations.