Explosion at Fireworks Factory Causes Many Casualties in Tangerang
Dozens of workers at a fireworks factory at an industrial complex in Tangerang (Banten Province) were killed on Thursday morning (26/10) after two explosions caused a massive fire. At least 47 lives were ended, while dozens were injured. Reportedly, a total of 103 workers were active at the firecracker factory, hence the death toll could rise further. The fire has been brought under control.
The first explosion was heard at around 10:00 am local Jakarta time on Thursday morning (26/10), followed by another explosion about three hours later. The power of the first explosion as well as the subsequent fire caused the roof of the factory to collapse. There are no reports yet about the cause of the explosions.
Based on reports circulating in local media, the fireworks factory had only been running for six months. The majority of workers at the factory are female, mostly casual workers without contracts. Indonesia has poor fire-safety standards and industrial fires are not uncommon.