Jakarta (ANTARA News) - At least two were killed and tens of others sustained wounds in a communal clash which was triggered by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver in Ambon, Maluku, on Sunday.

The two victims who suffered shot injuries by security officials died at Dr M Haulussy Public Hospital.

"More than 18 others suffered from wounds," Dr Ita Sabrina of the hospital said.

One of the death victim was Ade Cliford (15). "Ade Clift died of a bullet," a family member of the dead victim who refused to be named said when contacted from Jakarta on Sunday.

At present, the victim`s family members evacuated to a mountain and were waiting the body of Clift who was killed.

Tension had arisen since Sunday noon in Ambon, provincial capital of Maluku. The tension was triggered by the death of motorcycle taxi driver, who is a resident of Waihoang village, Sirimau sub district.

The death of the motor cycle taxi driver whose identity was not yet established triggered the anger of his family members while the causes of his death was not clear.

Rumors have it that the motorcycle taxi driver was found dead in Gunung Nona area, Kudamati village, while other vision has it that he was killed in collision.

In the runup to the funeral of the decease in Petak Sepuluh area, Manggadua village, Nusaniwe sub district, the anger of the victim`s relatives exploded so that the Trikora - Perak - Batu Gantung road sections were closed for security reason.

Police banned residents to pass on the streets.

Yet, the tension continued when the funeral procession was held in Petak Sepuluh area because family members who joined the procession was emotional.

It forced police to open warning shots to limit the number of funeral procession participants.(*)

Editor: Ruslan Burhani
Copyright © ANTARA 2011