Fire claims 11 lives

WAMENA, Irian Jaya: Eleven people died and two others suffered serious burn injuries when a fire razed a house in Wagawaga village, Jayawijaya regency.

Jumati, Jayawijaya's Assistant of Regional Administration Secretary, told Antara that the fire started when one of the victims knocked over an oil lamp in the Dani ethnic traditional house which was constructed of wood and tall grass.

Out of the 13 people in the house, only two survived. They are currently being treated at Wamena hospital.

Jumati blamed the flammable materials used in the house for the swiftness of the fire. He added that there was no sufficient ventilation with only a one small door as the single exit.

"When the house was in flames they had difficulty escaping," he said, adding that neighbors removed the charred unidentified remains from the scene the next morning. (02)