Police secretary killed in house fire

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The secretary to the North Sumatra police chief and her mother were killed Saturday in their home in a fire apparently caused by an exploding gas stove.

Second Sgt. Rida Azwarni Pane, 24, and her mother, Masliani Boru Lubis, were killed in the blaze and two of their relatives are being treated in hospital following the accident in Kampung Baru, Jl. Brigjen Katamso, at about 4 a.m..

Spokesman Lt.Col. Amrin Karim said Saturday that other possible causes for the fire were still under investigation.

Sources said 60-year-old Masliani had intended to cook the dawn meal before fasting. But gas leaked from the stove and was ignited.

Rida tried to help her mother by rushing to the bathroom to get water, but was trapped by smoke.

Among those at the funeral were Police Chief Brig. Gen. Sutyono and Rida's fianc, Sgt. Maj. Adianto. They had planned to marry after Idul Fitri. (21)