"Eleven witnesses are still being questioned. The Papua regional police command`s chief has been in Nabire and since 12.00 hours the situation has been controlled," National Police chief General Timur Pradopo said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Police began questioning witnesses in connection with a stampede that left 18 people dead during a boxing match event on Sunday in Nabire in the eastern province of Papua.
"Eleven witnesses are still being questioned. The Papua regional police command`s chief has been in Nabire and since 12.00 hours the situation has been controlled," National Police chief General Timur Pradopo said here on Monday.
He said the stampede occurred as people tried to leave the building after clashes broke out between the winning and losing supporters.
"They died after being trampled on as exits were not sufficient," he said, adding the number of exit gates was only two.
He said around 250 security personnel consisting of 100 from the military and 150 from the police had been deployed to assure security of the event.
"We would certainly conduct an audit on it. The regional police command`s chief has now been on the scene and reinforcements have also been deployed consisting of 300 from the military and 300 from the police," he said.
Chief security minister Djoko Suyanto said the government was very concerned over the incident and he had asked the regional police command`s chief to anticipate possible developments of the incident.
He said until Monday situation in Nabire remained good and no other incidents had occurred.
"Evaluation will certainly be done. An event always needs a permit from both the police and the administration," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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