Old war bomb detonates in Madang settlement
Residents of Madang Town and the surrounding villages were left shaken and shocked by a bomb explosion that occurred around 9:30 last night.
Police reported the blast occurred at the Bilia Maus Rot settlement in Ward 8 of Madang Urban LLG, and about 100 meters away from the ward councilor's residence.
An initial investigation conducted today by bomb specialists from the PNGDF, who are on deployment in Madang with local police revealed the bomb was unearthed few days ago by youths in the settlement whilst digging to build a new house.
Provincial Police Commander for Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim says the bomb was identified to be an old, unexploded bomb from World War 2.
Baim says the youths had placed the bomb in an old defect vehicle upon discovery until last night when a mentally- retarded youth identified as Adolf Tai removed it from the vehicle and placed it in a tyre and set fire on it resulting in its explosion.
"The explosion was so loud it was heard all over Madang Town and the nearby villages, causing fear and panic. Some even mistook it for a volcano eruption, " PPC Baim says.
An assessment carried out by the bomb specialists and police revealed nil casualties and no damage to nearby residents and properties.
Acting Superintendent Baim says, "Forensic officers took pictures of the explosion site, as well as took note of the bomb type, its explosion capabilities, and destruction for future reference.
PPC Baim adds, "There are nil remains of the exploded bomb on site, however; investigation is continuing. The prime suspect is also yet to be apprehended, arrested, and charged for his criminal action, which was a serious threat to lives and properties within the vicinity and the whole of Madang Town.
This is the second incident involving old wartime bombs in Madang Town this year.
The first was reported about two to three months ago at the Lae Builders area.
In the first incident, the perpetrators failed to achieve their goal as they were disturbed by security guards and fled the site, leaving the bomb behind in a pile of tyres with fire starting to burn. The fire was put out by the guards and residents who alerted police.
Bomb specialists from the PNGDF were also alerted and successfully dismounted the bomb, which they later disposed of safely at sea, about 150 nautical miles off Madang Town.
"I am calling on the general public to report any World War 2 relics, whether it be bombs, cartridges, guns, or anything at all. They are not toys to be played with. It will cost your life and other innocent people as well.
Madang is commonly known for the many war relics that were disposed of here soon after World War II ended, PPC Baim says.
He states that in last night's case, it was fortunate that the bomb was placed in a distance far away from where people are living that it did not hurt or kill anyone.