Indonesia: Death toll rises to 22 in a fire at a seven-story building in Jakarta

At least 22 people died on Tuesday in a fire at a seven-story building in Jakarta, which housed offices of the Japanese drone company Terra Drone, the police reported. Jakarta Central Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo confirmed to reporters that 22 people died at the site, where firefighters’ inspections were delayed due to smoke and high temperatures. Among the deceased were seven men and 15 women, including a pregnant woman, according to the police.
At least 15 people were evacuated alive from the scene, as per the state news agency Antara, which added that firefighters believe a short circuit caused the fire. The affected building, known in Jakarta as the Terra Drone tower, is an office complex housing some of the world’s leading Japanese company in drone solutions and advanced aerial mobility.
Susatyo explained that firefighters inspected the fourth and fifth floors of the building, but the checks on the sixth and seventh floors were delayed due to the thick smoke. Several lifeless bodies were removed from the scene wrapped in red bags, while some survivors received medical attention and emotional support nearby.
In addition to water deployment, firefighters used cranes and broke glass walls in the building to expedite extinguishing efforts and search for survivors.