Shophouse Fire in Tanjungbalai, Kepri Kills Three, Including Two Children

Three people died in a shophouse fire on Jalan Pertambangan RT 1 RW 4, Tanjungbalai Village, Karimun Regency, Riau Islands (Kepri).

The fire broke out on Monday (2 March) at approximately 05:30 Western Indonesian Time. The three victims—two children and one adult—died after becoming trapped inside the burning shophouse.

“A fire has indeed occurred on Jalan Pertambangan next to Kafe Newtown. The location is a shophouse, and in this incident there are three fatalities,” said AKP Andri Yusri, head of Balai Karimun Police Station.

Andri explained that investigators are currently documenting the victims’ identities and investigating the cause of the fire. Officers at the scene have cordoned off the building with police tape.

“Regarding the identities and gender of the victims, we are still investigating, and our next step is to conduct a more thorough investigation. We are still waiting to obtain statements from the family, as they remain in shock,” he said.

Based on gathered information, the victims were discovered by firefighters whilst extinguishing the blaze.

Firefighters from Karimun suddenly called out from inside the shophouse whilst carrying two children from the burning building.

After emerging, two children were visibly unconscious in the arms of the firefighters, who cried out for an ambulance.

Shortly afterwards, police and firefighters brought out an adult victim already in a body bag.

All three victims were immediately taken to Muhammad Sani Hospital.