Two killed in fire

Two killed in fire

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Two people were killed in a fire that destroyed 47 houses in a slum area early yesterday, officials said.

The fire, which also damaged a government office and a school building, started at about 3.30 a.m. Eight fire engines managed to put it out two hours later.

Spokesman for the local fire brigade T.P. Malau said that a 26-year-old man and a nine year-old boy died in the blaze.

About 140 people who lost their homes are being accommodated in a government building near the area, where a public kitchen and a command post have been set up.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire, Antara reported. (pan)