Man burns to death in shop-house fire

JAKARTA (JP): A man was burned to death and his daughter was severely wounded in a fire which destroyed a three-story shop- house at Jl. Tamansari IV/2B, West Jakarta, yesterday morning, police said.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang told the media that the victim, identified as Ng Kim Keow, 46, was trapped in the flames, while his daughter, Amelia, 21, was severely burned and was being treated at the Husada Hospital, West Jakarta.

The fire, which started at about 1:40 a.m., was believed to be caused by a short circuit on the third floor of the building, which had no fire exit.

"Apparently, both victims were sleeping when the incident happened. By the time they woke up, the fire had spread and surrounded them," he said.

Three fire engines were deployed from the West Jakarta Fire Department to extinguish the fire at about 2:30 a.m.

"Reports said the fire was hard to put out because of the many flammable materials inside the building, mainly wood," Aritonang said.

"The losses are currently being calculated and the case is being handled by Tamansari Police subprecinct," he added. (edt)