A fire broke out in an office building in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday, killing at least 20 people. According to a report from the Associated Press, police confirmed that the flames engulfed the seven-story building, sending thick black smoke into the sky. AFP reported the victims, including five men and 15 women, citing Central Jakarta Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro. He also revealed that one of the victims was a pregnant woman.
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The fire sparked panic among nearby residents and workers in Central Jakarta. Local news outlet Kompas TV reported that firefighters put out the fire, but evacuation efforts are still ongoing as rescuers fear several people remain trapped inside. Reports reveal that the building housing the fire is the office of Terra Drone Indonesia, a company that provides drones for aerial surveys in sectors ranging from mining to agriculture. Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Susatyo Purnomo Condro, told Kompas TV that the fire started on the first floor, and employees tried to extinguish the blaze before it spread.
Fire Spreads from Battery to 6th Floor in Jakarta Office
Susatyo Purnomo Condro explained that a battery on the first floor caught fire, but an employee managed to put it out. However, the fire spread from the battery, as the first floor also housed a warehouse. He added that the fire grew larger, and smoke reached the 6th floor of the building. Susatyo confirmed that all the victims who died were taken to the Kramat Jati Police Hospital for identification.
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