Massive fire destroys 83 homes in Jakarta, affecting hundreds
A massive fire swept through a densely populated neighbourhood in central Jakarta on Thursday evening, destroying at least 83 homes and affecting 388 residents.
Footage showed flames engulfing buildings as firefighters battled the blaze, while families fled their homes and gathered in nearby shelters.
“I was just about to go to sleep when suddenly I heard people shouting, ‘Fire, fire, fire!’” resident Rohayati recalled, describing how quickly the flames spread through the tightly packed wooden structures.
The fire broke out in the Kramat Pulo Dalam area at around 18:45 local time. Narrow alleyways and crowds reportedly hampered emergency operations, with authorities deploying 33 fire engines and 156 personnel.
No casualties were reported, but dozens of families lost their homes and belongings. Rohayati said her immediate priority was replacing her children's school uniforms and books.
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Firefighters brought the blaze under control after more than two hours and completed cooling operations early Friday. Authorities are investigating the cause.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
