Massive Explosion in Medan Luxury Housing Complex Damages 7 Homes, 4 Missing

A massive explosion occurred in the upscale Grand Polonia housing complex in Medan, North Sumatra, on Monday (20/7), causing damage to seven homes. Medan Police Chief Kombes Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak stated that one house, the epicenter of the blast, was severely damaged, while surrounding houses were also affected by the strong pressure wave. "A total of six to seven houses were affected. These houses were impacted because they are located directly in front of the collapsed house," said Jean Calvijn at the scene. Calvijn mentioned that the explosion originated from luxury house number 3B. Currently, four people are still trapped inside the house. Meanwhile, two other residents were found safe. "The data we received is that six people were inside the house when the incident occurred. Of the six people, one father was successfully evacuated, and a toddler is currently being treated at a hospital," he said. Calvijn explained that the search and evacuation process is ongoing to find the four other victims who are believed to be still buried under building materials. "For the remaining four, we pray together that the evacuation efforts will be fruitful. These four people include the wife of the homeowner and three domestic workers. We ask for your prayers," he said. Based on observations by CNNIndonesia.com at the scene, house number 3B was the source of the explosion. The three-story building sustained the most severe damage, with its balcony collapsing and a large portion of the front structure destroyed by the blast. Furthermore, at least three cars parked in front of the house were also damaged after being hit by building debris. The force of the explosion also caused building materials to fly and scatter onto the street of the housing complex. Concrete fragments, iron, and glass struck several houses in the vicinity.