Nethy Dharma Somba, Jayapura – Two people are dead after a traffic accident triggered a riot on Wednesday at a police station in Manokwari, West Papua.

The victims were identified as Naftali Kwan and Septinus Kwan. Naftali was reported to have died from gunshot wound to the leg and Septinus from bruises and injuries.

Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Wachyono said the riot began after a hit-and-run accident on Wednesday on Jl. Esau Sesa in front of the Manokwari Mobile Brigade Unit (Brimob) headquarters.

Witnesses said a woman broke her leg after she was allegedly hit by a motorcyclist while crossing the street with her husband and child. The unidentified rider ran into the police compound and was chased by enraged residents, some of whom were armed.

Brimob officers tried to calm the situation, which quickly spiraled into violence, according to reports.

One Brimob officer, Brig. Armin, and a second person identified as Ismail were targeted by the mob. Armin was hit by an arrow on his leg while Ismail was stabbed in his neck.

The situation worsened after gunshots were fired. Naftali Kwan fell to the ground after he was shot in the leg and died on the way to hospital from blood loss.

Residents found the bruised body of Septinus Kwan in a ravine near Brimob headquarters on Thursday morning. The body's discovery triggered an angry response from residents, forcing the police to block the roads leading to Rendani Airport, temporarily suspending operations.

"Activity returned to normal at the airport after the local police chief calmed the mob," Wachyono said.

Visibly enraged protesters carried the bodies from the victims' homes to the Manokwari regent's office.

Hundreds of people brandishing weapons said that the police must be held responsible for the deaths and demanded that Rp 30 billion (US$3.33 million) in compensation be paid to the victims' families.

Manokwari Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Bambang Ricky tried to calm the protestors and promised to pay for the funerals of Naftali and Septinus.

The bodies were returned to Rendani village by the early afternoon, where local government officials paid their respects, including Bambang, Manokwari Regent Dominggus Mandacan and regency Regional Representatives Council Speaker Yosias Saroy.

The situation was said to have returned normal as of Thursday evening.

The incident Wednesday took place less than a month after eight people were killed when police in Buol, Central Sulawesi used force to stop rioters from attacking a precinct.

The riot was sparked by the death of Kasmir Timumun while in police custody. Kasmir had been detained after a traffic accident involving a police officer.

Six people were killed on the scene, two died in hospital and 22 were injured after police officers fired live bullets into the crowd.

The police allege Kasmir committed suicide, but others say the motorcycle taxi driver died after he was tortured by the police.