A devastating fire at an office building in Jakarta has resulted in the loss of at least 22 lives, with emergency services actively conducting searches for any additional casualties. The incident occurred in a seven-storey building in Indonesia’s capital on Tuesday afternoon, coinciding with a lunch break for many of the occupants.
City police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro stated that the fire reportedly began with an explosion from a battery on the first floor, rapidly spreading to the upper floors. The building is home to various businesses, including a company focused on drone manufacturing.
Tragically, most of those who lost their lives in the blaze were women, and one victim was pregnant. Initial reports indicate that the victims likely suffered from smoke inhalation, leading to asphyxiation rather than direct burns from the flames.
As emergency crews and authorities continue their efforts to assess the full impact of this heartbreaking event, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for enhanced fire safety protocols in workplaces, especially those characterized by high levels of activity. The community is in mourning, and support services are being organized to assist the families affected by this calamity during this challenging period.