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At Least 20 Dead in Central Jakarta Office Fire as Search Continues

Police cite a suspected battery explosion at a drone facility as the trigger under investigation.

Overview

  • Authorities have confirmed 20 fatalities, with some reports putting the toll at 22 as recovery continues.
  • Victims include 15 women, one of them pregnant, and five men, with most likely dying from asphyxiation rather than burns.
  • The blaze started around midday on the first floor and spread through a seven-storey building used by an agricultural drone manufacturer.
  • Firefighters deployed about 100 personnel and 29 vehicles, used large fans to cool the structure, and are carrying out repeat searches.
  • Police say they will question witnesses along with the business and building owners to assess possible negligence, and a police officer was injured during evacuations.