A tragic fire at an office building in Jakarta has resulted in at least 22 fatalities as rescue operations continue. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, with local police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro reporting that many workers were having their lunch when the fire broke out.
Authorities suspect that the blaze began following an explosion from a battery located on the first floor, with the flames quickly spreading through the building, which houses a drone manufacturing company.
Most victims were women, including one pregnant woman, who likely died from smoke asphyxiation rather than direct burns. Thick smoke was observed billowing from the upper floors as emergency services deployed 28 fire engines and around 100 personnel to the scene. Dramatic footage emerged showing trapped employees being rescued using aerial ladders.
Firefighters have managed to extinguish the blaze and are currently focused on conducting thorough searches of the upper levels of the building, facing difficulties accessing the sixth floor. Susatyo mentioned ongoing efforts to gather data and confirm victim identities.
The building is known for providing drone services to various industrial clients, offering capabilities such as aerial surveying and inspection. The tragic event raises critical concerns about fire safety and emergency response measures in commercial buildings across the region.
