Twenty killed as Jakarta seven-story office fire erupts after battery blast
Twenty killed as Jakarta seven-story office fire erupts after battery blast
A battery explosion on the first floor sparked a seven-story blaze in central Jakarta, leaving at least 20 dead as crews search for survivors amid smoke and intense heat.
A fire erupted Tuesday afternoon in a seven-story office building in central Jakarta, ignited by an explosion in a battery on the first floor. By evening, authorities said at least 20 people had been found dead and many more were unaccounted for as thick smoke and intense heat hampered rescue efforts.
Among the dead were five men and 15 women, including a pregnant woman, police said. Most victims did not appear to have burns, suggesting asphyxiation from smoke and toxic fumes may have been the primary cause. The bodies were taken to a police hospital for autopsy as investigators work to identify those killed and determine the sequence of events.
Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, cooling the structure to prevent collapse and searching for people possibly trapped on upper floors. Crews scoured through debris as flames raged, aided by water and ventilation efforts to clear the thick smoke blocking the stairwells and hallways.
The building hosts the office of Terra Drone Indonesia, a local unit of the drone services company. The incident raises questions about fire safety in multi-story commercial premises and underscores how smoke can threaten occupants even when burn injuries are not immediately visible.
Authorities said the investigation would examine why the battery on the first floor exploded and whether safety protocols were followed. While this tragedy is unfolding, Jakarta is reminded of past deadly fires in Indonesia, which have prompted ongoing discussions about stricter safety measures and emergency readiness in urban office spaces.
Cover image source: 20 killed in building fire in Indonesia’s capital: police 🔗
