Ancol fire not caused by short circuit: Police

Ancol fire not caused by short circuit: Police

JAKARTA (JP): Police have ended their investigation of the fire that gutted the Mystery Castle in the Fantasy Land complex at Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta early last month.

North Jakarta police chief Lt. Col. Edi Darnadi told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the investigation ended with the National Police Forensic Laboratory Center determining that the fire was not caused by an electrical short circuit.

The forensic team returned to the area two days after the March 5 fire to collect and examine all material in order to discover the cause of the blaze that caused millions of dollars in damages.

"The team said in their conclusion that the fire was caused by something other than electricity," Edi said, adding that the fire might have been caused by matches, cigarettes or something else combustible.

A single piece of strong evidence has yet to be found and though police have questioned a number of young patrons, no suspects have been apprehended.

Security guards at the recreation center were quoted as saying that the fire might have been ignited by two young visitors who were playing with matches inside the dimly lit castle.

The fire broke out at 8:55 p.m. on a Sunday while a group of about 20 people visiting the castle were still inside.

"I don't rule out the possibility of arson committed for the insurance money," Edi said.

Edi said, however, that he had no idea if the insurance firm would accept the police findings and or pay the operator.

"It's not my business now," he said. (bsr)