Nine killed in Batam fire

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)