Market Fire in Central Papua Claims 11 Lives

A market fire has engulfed dozens of buildings in Bapouda village, Paniai Timur district, Central Papua Province. A total of 11 people have reportedly died in the blaze. Police are still investigating the market fire in Bapouda village, Paniai Timur district, Central Papua Province, which claimed the lives of five adults and six children. Kompol Henry J Manurung, Head of the Public Relations Sub-Division of the Central Papua Regional Police, stated in Nabire that the fire occurred on Monday (7/9) around 00:25 WIT. The flames spread rapidly, consuming approximately 40 buildings due to their close proximity. "The fire in the market area of Bapouda village, Paniai Timur district, resulted in dozens of houses burning down and 11 people losing their lives," he said, as quoted by Antara. He added that all victims were evacuated to the Paniai Regional General Hospital for further treatment. Of the 11 victims, five were adults: Na (70), Wa (36), Ha (30), RF (28), and He (30). The remaining six were children: As (9), Ab (6), Ad (5), Ar (9), Ic (6), and AY (2). Police deployed an armored water cannon vehicle to help extinguish the fire. The blaze was brought under control around 03:30 WIT. "The intensity of the fire and the condition of the closely built structures made the firefighting process quite lengthy," he stated. After the fire was extinguished, authorities examined the burnt kiosks and found the 11 victims deceased with burn injuries. Henry confirmed that the exact cause of the fire is still unknown. Police are continuing to gather witness statements and conduct an examination of the crime scene. "The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. We are still gathering statements from witnesses and conducting an examination of the crime scene," he said. Source: CNN Indonesia