KUCHING, June 25 — A 12-year-old boy who was playing with fire-crackers in a village near here early today was found dead following a loud explosion, according to police.

Kuching Police chief ACP Abang Ahmad Abang Julai said Haiqal Hakim Zolpaka was found dead by his father at 12.15am outside his house in Kampung Bintawa Hilir.

The father had rushed out following the explosion and found Haiqal Hakim, a pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan Matu Baru, lying lifeless with a head injury, he said in a statement.

"Neighbours helped to carry the boy into the house and waited for the police to come,” he added.

Abang Ahmad said an investigation showed that Haiqal Hakim had been playing with fire-crackers alone all night.

The body was sent to the Sarawak General Hospital, he added. — Bernama