BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – A loud underground explosion damaged a stretch of sidewalk in Darmasaba Village, Abiansemal District, Badung, on Friday morning (April 17), prompting an investigation into a possible gas buildup near a local gas station.
The blast occurred at around 08:50–09:00 WITA in front of a fuel station in Darmasaba, surprising nearby residents. The explosion cracked and destroyed sections of the sidewalk, with damage reported across multiple and extending up to around 50 meters in total.
Initial findings suggest the explosion may have been caused by gas accumulation inside a covered drainage system. Authorities also noted a strong odor resembling gas or fuel coming from the канал beneath the sidewalk.
Darmasaba village head Ida Bagus Surya Prabawa said local officials responded immediately after receiving reports from residents.
“Based on our initial checks, there was likely a buildup of gas inside the drainage channel,” he said.
Officials suspect the ignition may have been triggered by a spark, possibly from a discarded cigarette butt that entered the drainage system.
Following the incident, the gas station’s operations were temporarily suspended as a precaution while investigations continue.
Abiansemal sub-district head IB Putu Mas Arimbawa confirmed that police and forensic teams have collected samples from the site, including water suspected to be mixed with fuel.
“There were three major explosion points and one smaller. The damage to the sidewalk is significant,” he said.
Police also reported that flames were seen briefly emerging from the sidewalk surface before the explosion occurred.
While early indications point to a possible fuel or gas leak linked to nearby infrastructure, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact source. Investigators are examining whether the gas originated from the fuel station’s installation or from nearby septic systems used by surrounding shops.
“We are still waiting for technical assessments to determine the exact cause,” said Abiansemal Police Chief Kompol I Nyoman Karang Adiputra.
No injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident. However, the damaged sidewalk area has been secured, and further safety checks are underway involving local authorities, public works officials, and technical teams.
Repairs and additional safety measures will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.