Fire sweeps Ujungpandang

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: More than 200 people lost their homes as fire destroyed dozens of houses in a crowded housing area in the Wajo district over the weekend.

There was no word on injuries, but two persons collapsed on seeing fire gut their property, Antara said yesterday.

It took more than two hours for residents and fire fighters to put out the blaze, which also triggered panic at the Akademis Hospital nearby.

Firefighters said they found it difficult to put the fire out because the area was difficult to reach and the wind was blowing hard. (pan)