Mudflow area closed due to risk of explosion
Monday, September 4 2006 - 01:16 AM WIB
The site of the mudflow disaster in Sidoarjo, East Java, has been closed to the public, with the authorities fearing a repeat of the Aug. 29 explosion that killed one man. The Jakarta Post reported Monday
Police sealed off the site in Porong, which sank five centimeters as of Saturday from the huge outpouring of mud from a exploration well accident on May 29. The well, owned by Lapindo Brantas Inc., continues to spew hot, odorous mud that has inundated six villages, dozens of local factories and disrupted service on a major turnpike.
?We declare the site dangerous due to its high risks for human safety. The area is closed to everybody, including VIP guests,? said Yuniwati Teryana, a Lapindo Brantas Inc. spokeswoman.
She added that explosions from volatile underground gases could occur at anytime.(*)