A devastating fire engulfed a seven-storey office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 22 individuals, according to police reports. The blaze broke out around midday on the first floor and rapidly spread to the upper levels before it was finally extinguished.
The building is home to the offices of Terra Drone Indonesia, a subsidiary of the Japanese firm Terra Drone Corporation, which specializes in providing drones for aerial surveying in sectors ranging from agriculture to mining. At the time of the incident, some employees were reportedly having lunch, while others had already left the premises.
Emergency responders faced significant challenges as they attempted to evacuate people trapped inside. Footage broadcast by Kompas TV depicted dozens of firefighters working diligently to rescue individuals and carry out body bags from the site. Some employees were seen escaping from upper floors using portable ladders, highlighting the dire circumstances they faced.
Ongoing Investigations into Fire’s Cause
According to Susatyo Purnomo Condro, the head of Central Jakarta police, a forensic team has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest that batteries from a drone may have ignited, but the exact point of origin is still under investigation. Police plan to interview both the business owner and the building owner as part of their inquiries.
In a statement, Terra Drone Corporation expressed its condolences and apologized for the distress caused to the local community and its customers. The company is currently assessing the impact of the fire on its operations.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a catastrophic fire in Hong Kong that occurred on November 26, which has left a reported death toll of 160. The frequency of such tragic events raises critical questions about fire safety regulations and emergency preparedness in urban environments.
As investigations continue, the local community awaits answers regarding the cause of this devastating fire, as well as measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
