At Least 5 People Dead, 3 Missing After WWII-Era Bomb Explodes in Indonesia

On May 31, 2026, a World War II-era bomb exploded in Biak Numfor, Papua Province, Indonesia, leading to the tragic deaths of at least five people and leaving three others missing. The explosion occurred beneath a residence in a densely populated area, causing widespread destruction to nearby homes.

Local authorities, including Biak Numfor Police Chief Ari Trestiawan, confirmed that a total of five injured individuals were hospitalized following the incident, which took place around noon. The explosion sent flames shooting upward, with numerous buildings reported to have collapsed, leaving debris scattered throughout the vicinity.

Surveillance footage captured the moment of the blast, illustrating the fireball and the ensuing shockwave that swept through the neighborhood. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying scene, with thick black smoke filling the air.

In the aftermath, search and rescue operations were launched to locate the three individuals who remain unaccounted for. However, these operations were temporarily halted overnight due to concerns that additional explosives might still be present at the site.

The Indonesian military expressed its condolences to the victims' families while emphasizing the critical need for safety measures. Authorities have cordoned off the area and are urging residents to stay away until it is deemed secure.

This incident highlights the lingering dangers of unexploded ordnance from World War II, which still poses a risk in many parts of Indonesia, decades after the end of the conflict.