As many as five people have been killed while three others are missing after a 20ft blast caused a huge explosion in a residential area in Indonesia. According to the police, the incident happened in Biak Kota District, Biak Numfor, Papua and was triggered by an active World War II bomb.

Flames shot more than 20 ft into the air as thick black smoke spread across the scene, with several buildings left completely destroyed by the blast. Online footage showed locals pulling the limp body of a young boy from the rubble, underscoring the scale of the devastation. Authorities say the cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Biak Numfor Police Chief Ari Trestiawan told local news outlet Antara that five of the victims bodies have been evacuated from the scene.

The search for three remaining victims is still underway and will continue on Monday, authorities said. CCTV cameras in the Biak Port area captured the moment the explosion erupted, showing a huge fireball followed by a mushroom‑shaped cloud rising into the sky.

Debris from nearby buildings was blasted outward as shock waves rippled through the densely populated neighbourhood.

Police units from Biak Numfor and the Papua Regional Police Mobile Brigade have secured the area, while the military command, Civil Service Police, and search‑and‑rescue teams were deployed to support ongoing rescue efforts.

In a statement the military said: “We express our deepest condolences to the victims’ families.

Our primary focus now is the evacuation process, the search for any missing victims, and ensuring the location is completely safe.”