Fire razes Pasar Raya market

SALATIGA, Central Java: Hundreds of stalls were leveled to the ground here on Monday morning after a fire raced through Pasar Raya market causing an estimated Rp 20 billion in losses.

Police are still investigating the cause of the fire, but a preliminary probe suggests that a short-circuit electric problem may have sparked the blaze.

"So far we have questioned several witnesses," said Salatiga Police chief Lt. Col. Sitanggang.

The fire was first spotted by vendors, who were preparing to open their shops, on the first floor of the building. Strong winds quickly spread the fire to the entire building, they said.

Fire fighters needed four fire engines and four hours before they were able to extinguish the blaze.

Hundreds of desperate vendors tried to save their merchandise, with some individuals attempting to enter the burning building, but security personnel were quick to stop them.

Dozens of traders sustained breathing problems and were rushed to a nearby hospital. (har/edt)