Nine killed in Batam fire

BATAM, Riau: Fire has gutted a four-story shop, which was also used as a residence, killing nine people of the same family early on Thursday, press reports stated yesterday.

Chief of the western Riau police precinct, Lt. Col. R. Bagus Harisanjaya, said the fire broke out at about 3:30 a.m. in the Inti Sakti shop, while most of the occupants were still fast asleep.

"The nine victims were trapped in the blaze," Bagus said, Antara reported.

The victims were identified as Tjan Tie Kie, also known as Ali, 42; his wife, The Hui Kian, 32; and their four children Cang Sui Hun, 16, Farida, 13, Yanto, five, and William, one: two of Ali's brothers-in-law, Atek, 22 and Gep Tiang, 21; as well as their housemaid, Lina, 30.

Three of Ali's family members and his two artisans survived the calamity, Bagus said. They jumped from the second floor, he added.

Bagus said the fire, which was only put out at 6 a.m. Thursday, caused losses of about Rp 300 million (US$134,000). (pan)