Two Singaporeans confirmed dead in Indonesia volcano eruption, bodies retrieved – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Jakarta – Indonesian authorities confirmed on Sunday that two Singaporean hikers died in the eruption of Mount Dukono on Halmahera island, bringing the total death toll to three. The victims, identified as 30-year-old Heng Wen Qiang Timothy and 27-year-old Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid, were found alongside an Indonesian woman near the crater rim. Rescue teams completed the difficult retrieval amid ongoing volcanic activity and heavy rain.
Details of the May 8 Eruption
Mount Dukono erupted on Friday morning, sending ash and rocks across the hiking area on the remote island in North Maluku province. The blast caught a group of trekkers by surprise, killing the three victims instantly through falling debris. Seventeen others, including seven Singaporeans and ten Indonesians, escaped unharmed and later received medical checks.
Difficult Search and Recovery
Search operations faced repeated interruptions from fresh eruptions and poor weather conditions. Rescuers located the bodies of the two Singaporeans holding each other under rock debris around the crater rim. The head of the local rescue agency described the evacuation as taking place during a brief window between eruptions, allowing teams to complete the mission safely.
Support for Survivors and Families
Singapore’s Foreign Ministry arranged for the seven surviving Singaporeans to return home on Sunday. The bodies of the deceased are undergoing forensic examination in Indonesia before repatriation. Officials from both countries have coordinated closely to assist affected families during this period.
