Fire in Jakarta Office Building Kills 20, Several Trapped
Digital Desk
A devastating fire erupted in a seven-storey office building in central Jakarta on Tuesday, claiming the lives of 20 people, including five men and 15 women, and leaving several others trapped. Authorities are conducting an ongoing rescue operation to evacuate remaining occupants.
The building houses the offices of Terra Drone Indonesia, a company providing drone survey services for agriculture and mining projects. According to police, the blaze began on the first floor, where batteries stored on the premises caught fire, rapidly spreading flames and smoke to the upper floors. Staff initially attempted to control the fire but were unable to contain it.
Firefighters have since extinguished the blaze, but search teams continue floor-by-floor inspections to locate anyone still inside. Photos from the scene show thick smoke billowing from the building and rescue personnel retrieving bodies and assisting panicked survivors.
“The fire originated on the first floor and quickly engulfed the upper levels due to stored batteries igniting,” Jakarta police said in a statement. “Our priority remains evacuating any remaining personnel safely.”
This incident highlights concerns over fire safety in high-rise office buildings, particularly regarding the storage of flammable materials. Terra Drone Indonesia has not yet released a statement regarding the fatalities or property damage.
Jakarta has faced similar fire incidents in recent years, prompting calls for stricter adherence to safety codes and improved emergency preparedness in commercial buildings. Investigators from the fire services and local authorities are examining the site to determine the precise cause of the fire and assess whether safety protocols were followed.
Residents and relatives of employees rushed to the site as smoke filled the skyline, seeking information on loved ones. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to work efficiently.
With rescue operations still underway, the total number of casualties could rise. Officials have promised a thorough investigation and urged companies across Jakarta to review safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
