A devastating fire engulfed a seven-storey office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, claiming the lives of at least 22 individuals. The incident, which occurred around midday on November 28, 2023, started on the first floor and rapidly spread to the upper levels, according to Susatyo Purnomo Condro, head of Central Jakarta police.
The building, which houses the offices of Terra Drone Indonesia, a subsidiary of the Japanese company Terra Drone Corporation, was bustling with activity at the time. Many employees were reportedly on their lunch break, while others had already left the premises.
Firefighters responded swiftly, battling the flames and attempting to evacuate those trapped inside. Footage from the scene, broadcast by Kompas TV, displayed dozens of firefighters working diligently, with some carrying body bags from the building. Reports indicated that several employees escaped from the upper floors using portable ladders.
Condro stated that a police forensic laboratory team has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest that batteries from a drone may have ignited, although the exact origin of the fire remains under scrutiny. The police plan to interview both the business owner and the building owner as part of their ongoing investigation.
In a statement, Terra Drone Co expressed its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and acknowledged the distress caused to the local community and customers. The company is assessing the impact of the fire on its operations.
This tragic event occurs less than two weeks after another significant fire in Hong Kong, which resulted in a death toll of 160 following a blaze at a high-rise apartment complex on November 26, 2023. The recent string of fires raises alarming questions about fire safety protocols in high-density urban areas.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are prioritizing the identification of the victims and providing support to those affected by this catastrophic incident.
