Explosion Shakes Bekasi Indonesia, Inside the Ammo Warehouse Firestorm
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| Explosion at Ammunition Warehouse, Indonesia |
The incident unfolded at the Regional Ammunition Warehouse (Gudmurah) of the Jakarta Regional Military Command (Kodam Jaya) on Saturday evening, marking a harrowing moment in the area's history.
According to Major General TNI Mohamad Hasan, Commander of Kodam Jaya, the sequence of events began shortly after the evening break-fast period.
According to Major General TNI Mohamad Hasan, Commander of Kodam Jaya, the sequence of events began shortly after the evening break-fast period.
Smoke was spotted emanating from Warehouse 6, one of 16 warehouses housed within Gudmurah Kodam Jaya.
"At approximately 18:05, smoke was detected in Warehouse 6, Gudmurah Kodam Jaya," stated Hasan at the scene on Saturday.
"At approximately 18:05, smoke was detected in Warehouse 6, Gudmurah Kodam Jaya," stated Hasan at the scene on Saturday.
Swift action was taken by military personnel on duty to alert nearby residents and urge them not to panic, instructing them to report any stray ammunition found.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the explosion was indicative of expired ammunition stored within Warehouse 6.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the explosion was indicative of expired ammunition stored within Warehouse 6.
"Gudmurah houses expired ammunition returned from various units within the Kodam Jaya region," confirmed Hasan.
The warehouse contained an alarming stockpile of 160,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Fortunately, Hasan assured the public that there were no reported casualties or injuries resulting from the blaze at Warehouse 6.
Fortunately, Hasan assured the public that there were no reported casualties or injuries resulting from the blaze at Warehouse 6.
"As of now, we have thoroughly inspected the perimeter and confirmed no casualties. However, due to the risk of minor explosions, direct access to the site is restricted," Hasan emphasized.
Despite the assurances, questions regarding the safety protocols and storage conditions arose.
Despite the assurances, questions regarding the safety protocols and storage conditions arose.
Major General M Hasan, the Commander of Kodam Jaya, asserted that the warehousing system at Gudmurah was inherently secure.
He attributed the explosion to the chemical instability of expired munitions.
"Our warehousing system at Kodam Jaya, particularly at this site, is highly secure. The bunker structure, coupled with protective embankments, mitigates lateral blast impacts," Hasan reassured during a press briefing near the site.
Nevertheless, Hasan acknowledged the potential for vertical dispersion of projectiles, albeit within controlled parameters.
"Our warehousing system at Kodam Jaya, particularly at this site, is highly secure. The bunker structure, coupled with protective embankments, mitigates lateral blast impacts," Hasan reassured during a press briefing near the site.
Nevertheless, Hasan acknowledged the potential for vertical dispersion of projectiles, albeit within controlled parameters.
"While vertical spread is plausible, our procedures and systems are designed to contain such events," he elaborated.
Further investigations revealed that the munitions involved were earmarked for disposal since the beginning of the year.
Further investigations revealed that the munitions involved were earmarked for disposal since the beginning of the year.
However, the disposal process was still underway, necessitating temporary storage and organization.
The absence of external electrical systems in the warehouse led to speculations regarding the ignition source.
The absence of external electrical systems in the warehouse led to speculations regarding the ignition source.
Hasan clarified that the absence of external factors ruled out external ignition sources, attributing the incident to friction between unstable munitions.
Amid ongoing firefighting efforts and intermittent explosions, the area surrounding the site has been cordoned off for safety reasons.
Amid ongoing firefighting efforts and intermittent explosions, the area surrounding the site has been cordoned off for safety reasons.
Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, spokesperson for the Army Public Relations Division (Kadispenad), underscored the importance of maintaining a safe distance to prevent potential casualties.
"As the situation unfolds, we urge patience as investigations continue to determine the extent of damages and the root cause of this unfortunate incident," Sianturi concluded, urging caution amidst the evolving situation.***
"As the situation unfolds, we urge patience as investigations continue to determine the extent of damages and the root cause of this unfortunate incident," Sianturi concluded, urging caution amidst the evolving situation.***
