Firefighters continue searching for trapped victims, focusing on cooling the building amid intense heat, thick smoke, and recovery efforts
JAKARTA
At least 20 people were killed Tuesday afternoon in a fire that engulfed a seven-storey office building in central Jakarta, police reported. The blaze began when a battery on the first floor exploded, rapidly spreading flames and smoke to upper levels.
Central Jakarta police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro told reporters that of the victims, five were men and 15 were women, including a pregnant woman. Most of the deceased appeared to have died from asphyxiation rather than burns. Their bodies were taken to a police hospital for autopsy.
Firefighters are still searching the building for any additional victims who may be trapped. Condro said crews were focused on cooling the structure, as intense heat and thick smoke persisted across several floors. Authorities are also working to identify the victims recovered so far.
Deadly fires are unfortunately not uncommon in Indonesia. In 2023, an explosion at a nickel-processing plant in eastern Indonesia killed 12 people and injured 39 others. Fire safety challenges, combined with rapid urban growth, have made high-rise fires a recurring risk in the capital.
Officials have urged the public to remain cautious and have vowed a thorough investigation into the cause and circumstances of the fire. Emergency responders continue to assess the building for structural safety before resuming full operations.
The Jakarta community has expressed grief over the tragic incident, with authorities promising to support the victims’ families and prevent similar accidents in the future.