TNI Army Ammunition Depot Explodes in Madiun, One Dead, Six Injured

An explosion rocked an ammunition depot at the TNI Army's Munitions Center (Gupusmu) II in Saradan, Madiun Regency, East Java, on Thursday, July 16. The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) confirmed that the incident resulted in casualties, with one soldier losing their life and six others sustaining injuries.

Brigadier General Donny Pramono, Head of the Army Information Service (Kadispenad), stated that the incident occurred while army personnel were conducting routine maintenance and inspection of munitions. He assured that these procedures followed established protocols from initial briefings to execution.

"At the time of the incident, one personnel of the TNI was declared dead, then four people suffered serious injuries, and two others suffered minor injuries," Donny said. He added that immediate evacuation of all victims to a hospital was carried out for prompt medical attention, and a procedural report was submitted.

TNI AD has formed an investigation team to thoroughly examine the chronology and cause of the explosion. "The investigation team has been formed and this afternoon has departed for the scene," Donny stated, emphasizing that the investigation will be conducted professionally, objectively, and comprehensively. The specific type of ammunition that exploded remains undetermined and will be a focus of the investigation.

The explosion site has been secured, with access restricted to the investigation team. TNI AD has committed to handling the event seriously and transparently, ensuring that victim care and the investigation process are conducted to the best of their ability. The army also extended its condolences for the loss of life.