Fire razes university campus

YOGYAKARTA: Five buildings that house the post-graduate studies of the Gadjah Mada University were razed by fire yesterday.

Strong winds fanned the fire, which began at 12.30 p.m. in the main building, and spread to neighboring buildings. Fire fighters worked for two hours to put the blaze out, but were not quick enough to prevent substantial damage.

"The fire caused Rp 370 million in material losses, not to mention invaluable research being conducted by students," said the school's dean, Ichlasul Amal, Antara news agency reported.

Among the facilities destroyed in the fire includes the book collection in the library, computer equipment and laboratory facilities, he said.

Police are still investigating the cause of the fire but preliminary investigations suggest that it was started by a soldering tool being used to renovate the library. (mun/emb)