A devastating fire at a seven-storey office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, has resulted in the tragic loss of 22 lives. The fire, which broke out around midday on November 28, 2023, quickly spread from the first floor to the upper levels of the building, according to police reports.
The building houses the offices of Terra Drone Indonesia, a subsidiary of Japan’s Terra Drone Corporation, which specializes in aerial survey activities for various sectors, including mining and agriculture. At the time of the incident, some employees were in the building for lunch, while others had already left for the day.
First responders worked diligently to extinguish the fire and rescue those trapped inside. Footage aired by Kompas TV depicted dozens of firefighters attempting to evacuate individuals, with some seen carrying body bags from the scene. Several employees were also observed escaping from the upper floors using portable ladders.
Susatyo Purnomo Condro, the head of Central Jakarta police, confirmed that the fire was extinguished later that day. He stated that recovered bodies have since been sent to a local hospital for identification purposes.
A forensic team from the police has begun an investigation into the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest that batteries from a drone may have ignited, but the investigation is ongoing to determine the precise origin of the blaze. Condro indicated that police would be questioning both the business and building owners as part of their inquiry.
In response to the tragedy, Terra Drone Corporation issued a statement expressing their condolences and apologizing for the stress and disruption caused to the local community and their customers. The company is also assessing the impact of the incident on its operations.
This fire in Jakarta follows another significant incident that occurred nearly two weeks earlier, when a massive blaze engulfed a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong on November 26, resulting in a death toll of 160. Such events highlight the urgent need for safety measures in high-density urban environments.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of life and seeks answers regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
