A devastating fire at a seven-storey office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, has resulted in the tragic deaths of 22 people. The fire erupted around midday on November 28, 2023, on the first floor and quickly spread to the upper levels of the structure. According to Central Jakarta police chief, Susatyo Purnomo Condro, the blaze has since been extinguished, and the bodies have been transported to a local hospital for identification.
The building is home to the Jakarta office of Terra Drone Indonesia, a subsidiary of the Japanese company Terra Drone Corporation, which specializes in drone services for various industries, including mining and agriculture. At the time of the fire, some employees were reported to be having lunch while others had already left the premises.
Footage from local broadcaster Kompas TV captured the chaotic scene as dozens of firefighters worked to evacuate individuals from the building. Some employees were seen escaping from upper floors using portable ladders, while emergency responders carried body bags out of the structure.
In a statement to the press, Condro confirmed that a forensic team has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest that batteries from a drone may have ignited, but the exact point of origin remains under investigation. Police have indicated that they will question both the business and building owners as part of their inquiries.
In response to the incident, Terra Drone Corporation issued an apology for the distress and disruption caused to the local community and its customers. The company stated that it is assessing the impact of the fire on its operations.
This tragic event comes less than two weeks after a catastrophic fire at a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong on November 26, 2023, which led to a reported death toll of 160. The Jakarta fire underscores ongoing concerns regarding building safety and emergency response protocols in urban areas.
As investigations continue, the community remains in mourning for the lives lost in this tragic incident.
