Hotel gutted by fire in Padang

PADANG, West Sumatra: Fire engulfed one of the principal hotels in Padang in the early hours of Thursday, razing its newly opened karaoke hall and causing Rp 2 billion (US$210,526) in losses.

The Hotel Natour Muara Padang, however, remained open as none of its rooms were affected.

Some offices belonging to banks and a telecommunications company were also destroyed in the blaze.

The hotel's general manager, Irfan, said as quoted by Antara that the fire was believed to have started on the second floor.

Police sources said the cause of the fire could not yet be established and that an investigation was still underway.

Police also confirmed that there were no casualties.

Domestic and foreign guests staying at the hotel remained calm throughout and did not need to be evacuated, even though it took over two hours before the fire was brought fully under control.