A devastating fire at a seven-storey office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, has resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, according to local police. The blaze erupted around midday on November 28, 2023, starting on the first floor and rapidly spreading to upper levels. The fire was extinguished later that day, and the recovered bodies have been sent to a hospital for identification, stated Susatyo Purnomo Condro, head of the Central Jakarta police.
The building is home to the office of Terra Drone Indonesia, a subsidiary of the Japanese firm Terra Drone Corporation, which specializes in providing drone services for various sectors, including mining and agriculture. At the time of the incident, some employees were having lunch in the building, while others had already left for the day.
Footage broadcast by Kompas TV revealed firefighters struggling to evacuate individuals trapped inside the building. Some employees were seen escaping from upper floors using portable ladders as first responders carried body bags from the scene.
Police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Condro mentioned that a forensic laboratory team has been deployed to gather evidence. Preliminary reports indicate that batteries from a drone may have ignited, but the exact point of origin remains under investigation. Authorities plan to question both the business owner and the building owner regarding safety measures.
In a statement, Terra Drone Co expressed its condolences and apologized for the distress caused to the local community and its customers. The company confirmed it is assessing the impact of the fire on its operations.
This tragic incident follows another significant fire that occurred nearly two weeks prior in a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong, which has resulted in a death toll of 160. As investigations continue, both local and international communities are left to reflect on the implications of workplace safety and emergency preparedness in high-density urban environments.
