A fire in an office building in Indonesia’s capital kills at least 22 people

A devastating fire tore through an office building in Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, claiming the lives of 22 individuals, including a pregnant woman, as confirmed by authorities.

The blaze engulfed the seven-story structure, sending thick, black smoke spiraling into the sky and triggering panic among residents and workers in the central Jakarta neighborhood.

Initial investigations suggest that the fire originated on the first floor of the building in the Kemayoran area before spreading to other levels, stated Central Jakarta police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro.

A massive response effort involving hundreds of personnel and 29 fire trucks was launched to contain the inferno, which is currently under scrutiny for its cause.

Witnesses reported that the majority of employees from the drone company housed in the building were away for lunch when a battery malfunction led to the tragic incident.

After three hours of relentless firefighting, the flames were finally extinguished. However, the toll stood at 22 fatalities, with bodies, including that of a pregnant woman, being transported to the police hospital in East Jakarta for identification.

Local resident Intan Puspita recounted the chaos that ensued, with workers fleeing the building following a loud bang and an eruption of flames.

Television footage captured the harrowing rescue of trapped individuals, with firefighters using emergency ladders to evacuate workers from the sixth floor, many struggling to breathe amidst the thick smoke.

Authorities revealed that most victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, with several survivors suffering from minor injuries and emotional trauma. Efforts to secure the building for further investigation are ongoing.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung urged companies to prioritize workplace safety and establish comprehensive emergency protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Meanwhile, families anxiously awaited updates near the site occupied by PT Terra Drone Indonesia, a leading provider of unmanned aerial vehicle technology for various industries.