Fire destroys tire factory

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Fire destroyed the province's largest tire and shoe factory, belonging to PT Industri Karet Deli, Tuesday, leaving 4,000 workers jobless, Antara reported yesterday.

There was no report on injuries but the authorities have estimated that the fire caused material losses of several billion rupiahs.

The factory makes tires and shoes for export to 48 countries.

Eyewitnesses said that the fire started in a storehouse. Police said they are still investigating the cause of the fire. (pan)