Police Investigate Cause of Deadly Palmerah Residential Blaze
Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of a devastating fire that gutted six houses on Palmerah Utara III Street in West Jakarta. The tragic incident, which broke out on Sunday evening, claimed the life of an 81-year-old resident identified as Suratman. Firefighters fought the blaze for several hours before successfully containing the flames late into the night.
The West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Department deployed 100 personnel to combat the fast-moving fire, which affected at least seven families. According to local witnesses, multiple explosions, suspected to be from gas cylinders, were heard as the fire rapidly tore through the semi-permanent wooden structures. Residents initially attempted to extinguish the flames manually using buckets, but the fire quickly grew out of control, fueled by high-voltage overhead cables that sparked and snapped.
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Palmerah Police Chief AKP Parman BM Nainggolan confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Unit is currently questioning several witnesses to pinpoint the exact origin of the blaze. "The cause of the fire is still under active investigation by our detectives," Parman stated at the scene on Monday. He added that the police are collaborating with local authorities to provide emergency relief supplies to the displaced families while emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced fire prevention awareness in crowded urban areas.
The victim, Suratman, was discovered dead on the ground floor of his residence by emergency responders after the cooling process was completed. Neighborhood chief Ali Hamzah reported that the elderly man was unable to escape the fast-spreading smoke and debris in time. The local government is currently assessing the total material losses from the incident and coordinating temporary shelter arrangements for the displaced victims.