A devastating fire at a seven-storey building in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, has claimed the lives of at least 20 people, according to local authorities. Several others were injured in the blaze, which broke out on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
Jakarta Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro told reporters that although the fire has been brought under control, officials are still searching the building to determine whether anyone remains trapped inside.
He said the fire started around midday on the first floor of the building before rapidly spreading to the upper levels. Some employees were having lunch inside at the time, while others had already left their offices.
By Tuesday afternoon, the death toll had risen to 20, Condro confirmed. “We are currently conducting rescue operations and working to stabilize the building’s temperature after extinguishing the fire,” he added.
The building houses the office of Terra Drone Indonesia, a company that provides aerial survey drones to clients across Indonesia’s mining, agricultural, and other industrial sectors. According to the company’s website, it is the Indonesian branch of Japan-based Terra Drone Corporation.
Footage aired by Indonesian broadcaster Kompas TV showed around a dozen firefighters attempting to rescue people from the building, as well as workers being carried down in body bags. Some employees were seen descending from upper floors using portable ladders.
Reuters reported that both Terra Drone Indonesia and its parent company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
