A tsunami wave hit the shore of Tanjung Lesung beach on the western tip of Java, knocking the stage out from under a pop band ‘Seventeen’ and bringing a concert to a sudden and tragic end.
In a video recorded by someone standing several yards away, the stage – with the band members on it – briefly floats as the water hits and then is washed away. Band members disappear underwater. People in the audience scream as they try to flee the approaching seawater and music equipment. Then the video abruptly ends.
According to Reuters, four people connected to the band were killed: bassist M. Awal “Bani” Purbani, road manager Oki Wijaya, guitarist Herman Sikumbang and crew member Ujang.
The band’s drummer was still missing, as well as the lead singer’s wife.
One crew member, identified by Channel News Asia only by the first name Zack, said he survived by holding on to part of the collapsed stage.
“Underwater, I could only pray ‘Jesus Christ, help!’,” Zack said of his struggle in the water. “In the final seconds, I almost ran out of breath.”
Twenty-nine people who attended were killed by the tsunami waves.
On Sunday, Seventeen’s lead singer, Riefan Fajarsyah, posted a tearful video on Instagram, apparently still wearing the shirt in which he had performed the night before.
“Andi, Herman and Ujang have not been found, please pray for them,” he said as he wiped away tears. “Please pray also that my wife will be found soon. Please pray also for Bani and Oki (who passed away).”
By Sunday night, Indonesian government officials said more than 843 people were injured and 28 were missing.
Emeh Achanga,the CEO of the Miss Petite Nigeria Brand is a lawyer turned blogger. She is very passionate about writing, with several publications and awards to her credit .She is currently working on publishing a collection of short stories which are basically a memoir about her exciting true experiences.
