Fuel storage depot fire in Jakarta kills 17, injures dozens

A fire that broke out at a state-run fuel storage depot in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta yesterday has claimed at least 17 lives and injured dozens of others. The blaze, which started after 8pm local time, was brought under control several hours after it began.

While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, army chief of staff Dudung Abdurachman confirmed that at least 42 people were injured, including three children between the ages of three and four who are in serious condition. The densely populated neighbourhoods in the vicinity of the facility were evacuated.

The depot is operated by state energy firm Pertamina, and the company has said that it is focused on handling the fire and evacuating workers and residents nearby to safer locations. Pertamina’s CEO Nicke Widyawati has…