Jakarta –
The morning atmosphere in Bukit Duri, South Jakarta, suddenly turned into panic and sobs. Flames engulfed a house on Kutilang Street 28, RW 02, taking the lives of four children who could not escape.
The four victims—three girls with initials PL (13), K (3), A (4), and a boy with initial A (7)—were killed in the intense fire that occurred early Saturday morning. They were among 27 people affected by the tragic incident.
“They were among 27 affected individuals,” said the Head of the South Jakarta Fire and Rescue Department.
The cries of family members and residents erupted as the bodies of the four children were found. Thick smoke and flames since morning had trapped them with no way out.
In addition to the fatalities, two adult women, A and M, were injured and immediately taken to the Police Hospital along with other victims.
“The deceased victims were reportedly taken to the Police Hospital,” the official stated.
The fire was reported at 6:21 AM local time. Twenty fire trucks with a total of 76 personnel were deployed to extinguish the blaze.
The cause of the fire is suspected to be an electrical short circuit. Material losses are estimated at Rp674 million. However, that amount pales in comparison to the loss of four young lives.
