Major Fire in Jakarta Office Building Kills 20 — Battery Explosion Sparks Deadly Blaze
MuhammadSalis 
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A battery explosion inside a seven-story office building in central Jakarta triggered a massive fire, killing at least 20 people, including a pregnant woman. Here’s the full story, rescue updates, and investigation details.
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Jakarta fire, Indonesia building fire, Jakarta office explosion, Jakarta deaths, central Jakarta fire, Indonesia news, battery explosion fire, Jakarta tragedy, office fire kills 20
Deadly Fire in Indonesia’s Capital Kills 20 — Battery Explosion Sparks Seven-Story Blaze in Central Jakarta
A tragic fire in central Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, has claimed at least 20 lives, leaving the nation in shock. According to police authorities, the devastating blaze began after a battery explosion on the first floor of a seven-story office building, quickly spreading to the upper levels and trapping several people inside.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon and turned what seemed like a normal workday into a horrifying disaster.
Below is the full breakdown of what happened, how the fire spread, rescue efforts, official statements, and the ongoing investigation.
How the Fire Started — Battery Explosion on the First Floor
Police confirmed that the disaster began when a battery installed on the first floor exploded, triggering an intense fire that moved upward through the building.
The deadly combination of:
- Heat
- Smoke
- Limited ventilation
- High office occupancy
made the situation far worse.
Officials said the fire spread “very rapidly,” giving many people little time to escape the upper floors.
20 People Killed — Including a Pregnant Woman
Central Jakarta police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro confirmed that 20 victims have been found so far. Among them:
- 5 men
- 15 women
- 1 pregnant woman
He added that the majority of victims did not suffer severe burn injuries. Instead, they most likely died from asphyxiation, meaning they inhaled toxic smoke before they could escape.
All bodies have been transported to the police hospital for autopsy and identification.
Why Most Victims Died of Asphyxiation
According to authorities, the building filled with:
- thick, toxic smoke
- intense heat
- low oxygen levels
People on the upper floors were unable to find safe exits in time. In high-rise fires, smoke inhalation is often more deadly than flames — which is what appears to have happened here.
Many victims were found in areas where smoke concentration was highest.
Firefighters Battled Intense Heat and Dense Smoke
Firefighters arrived quickly on the scene and worked for hours to control the blaze. Their biggest challenges were:
- Extremely high temperatures inside the building
- Dense smoke blocking visibility
- Possible structural damage
- Multiple floors affected simultaneously
Even after extinguishing the flames, firefighters continued “cooling operations” to reduce heat pockets that could spark another fire.
Rescue teams are still searching the premises to make sure no one else is trapped inside.
Authorities Still Gathering Data
Police chief Susatyo said that authorities are:
- identifying recovered victims
- checking for missing persons
- analyzing the cause of the battery explosion
- inspecting possible electrical faults
He stressed that the priority right now is recovering all victims and helping affected families.
“We are still collecting data,” he said. “But for now, our main focus is identifying the victims who have been found.”
Building Safety Concerns Raised Again
Deadly fires are unfortunately not rare in Indonesia. The country has seen several major fire incidents linked to:
- industrial explosions
- faulty electrical systems
- poor safety standards
- hazardous materials mishandling
In 2023, at least 12 people were killed and 39 injured in eastern Indonesia after an explosion at a nickel-processing plant.
The Jakarta tragedy raises fresh questions about:
- building safety inspections
- electrical system maintenance
- emergency exits
- fire preparedness in commercial buildings
Authorities are expected to launch a deeper investigation in the coming days.
Scene Description — Charred Interior and Damaged Floors
Images from the area show firefighters inside the building, surrounded by:
- burnt walls
- shattered windows
- damaged ceilings
- thick layers of soot
- melted office equipment
Some areas are still too hot to enter, while others remain filled with smoke despite ongoing cooling operations.
Public Shock and Government Response
News of the 20 deaths has caused widespread grief across Indonesia. Social media is filled with condolences and demands for accountability.
Government officials are expected to:
- issue safety guidelines
- review urban fire response protocols
- strengthen inspections of commercial buildings
The tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter fire safety enforcement.
Conclusion — A Preventable Disaster Raises Serious Questions
The deadly Jakarta fire is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly an ordinary afternoon can turn into a fatal catastrophe. A single battery explosion triggered a massive blaze, resulting in the deaths of 20 innocent people, including a pregnant woman.
As the investigation continues, families of victims seek justice — and the public demands reforms to prevent future tragedies.
This incident will likely push Indonesian authorities to re-examine building safety standards, fire preparedness, and the risks of electrical devices in large office complexes.
