Batik Keris factory on fire

SURAKARTA, Central Java: Fire broke out at the Batik Keris garment factory on Monday, reportedly causing substantial damage and slight injuries to four workers.

The Antara news agency reported yesterday that the fire, which broke out at about 9.30 a.m. and was extinguished at 12 p.m., affected several buildings, though losses have yet to be estimated.

The fire caused panic among the 1,400 workers on the early shift but there were no reports of fatalities, chief of the Sukoharjo military district Lt. Col. J.M. Manurung said.

It was put under control after two fire trucks and military personnel were called in, eyewitnesses said.

Manurung said the workers were injured by the falling debris from the roof.

PT Batik Keris, which occupies a 75-hectare area in the Sukoharjo industrial estate, employs more than 9,700 workers.(pan)