JAKARTA – A devastating fire at Glodok Plaza, a prominent shopping mall in Jakarta, Indonesia, has claimed the lives of at least four people, with several others still unaccounted for, according to local reports.
The fire broke out on Wednesday evening in a discotheque located on the mall’s seventh floor and quickly spread to the eighth and ninth floors, which house various commercial establishments.
Firefighters battled the blaze for eight to nine hours before bringing it under control, according to the West Jakarta Information Office (Kotajakartabarat).
Officials confirmed the deaths of four individuals, while reports suggest that between 11 to 14 people are missing. However, it remains unclear whether the missing count includes the confirmed fatalities.
“The atmosphere was tense because (the victims) shouted for help,” a spokesperson from the Information Office stated, adding, “It is hoped that the missing victims can be found soon and reunited with their families.”
Investigators are yet to determine the cause of the fire. However, authorities believe the rapid spread of the flames was due to the soundproofing materials used in the discotheque.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and families of the victims are anxiously awaiting updates.
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Glodok plaza? pic.twitter.com/aWgPaXaolO
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