Old war bomb detonates in Madang settlement

PNGDF bomb experts collecting evidence of the bomb that was stowed in this vehicle before it exploded (Image: Supplied)

Residents of Madang Town and surrounding villages were left shaken by a bomb explosion that occurred around 9:30pm on Monday night.

According to police, the blast happened at the Bilia Maus Rot settlement in Ward 8 of the Madang Urban LLG, approximately 100 meters from the residence of the local ward councilor.

An initial investigation conducted by bomb specialists from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force [PNGDF], currently deployed in Madang, revealed that the device was an unexploded World War II-era bomb. The bomb had reportedly been unearthed several days earlier by youths who were digging the ground to build a new house.

Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, said the bomb had been placed in an old, abandoned vehicle by the youths. However, on Monday night, a mentally ill youth, identified as Adolf Tai, allegedly removed the bomb from the vehicle, placed it inside a tire, and set it on fire, causing it to explode.

Bottom right is the tyre the bomb was placed in before it exploded (Image: Supplied)

Fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported. Bomb specialists and police confirmed that there were no casualties and no structural damage in the surrounding area.

"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,” Baim said.

He added that although no bomb remnants were found at the scene, investigations are ongoing. The suspect responsible for setting the device alight has yet to be apprehended and may face criminal charges for endangering lives and property.

This marks the second incident involving unexploded World War II ordnance in Madang this year. A previous incident occurred about three months ago in the Lae Builders area. In that case, suspects abandoned the site after being disturbed by security guards. The bomb, which had been placed among burning tires, was extinguished and later safely disposed of at sea by PNGDF bomb specialists, about 150 nautical miles off the coast.

Nothing much is left of this vehicle after the explosion (Image: Supplied)

"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,” the Madang PPC said.

He noted that Madang is known for having many war relics that were dumped in the area following the end of World War II.

Baim said Monday night’s case, it was fortunate that the bomb was placed far enough from residential homes that no one was hurt.