Dark Clouds In East Kotawaringin, 50 Buildings Burn And 1 Resident Dies

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - The big fire that hit the Pundu Village Market, Cempaga Hulu District, East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, caused about 50 buildings to be burned and one resident died after learning that his house was on fire.

"The building that caught fire consisted of a house and a kiosk. Meanwhile, the victim who died was thought to have been shocked to see his house on fire," said Cempaga Hulu sub-district head Ubaidillah in Pundu, Tuesday, January 4.

The victim's name is Muhammad Mu'thi (53) who works as a trader. The man was allegedly shocked after seeing his house on fire in this accident.

The fire that hit the Pundu Village Market, RT 01 RW I, Cempaga Hulu District, occurred on Monday, January 3 at around 14.15 WIB. The fire quickly burned because almost all the buildings were made of wood.

Based on information from residents who witnessed the incident, said Ubaidillah, at that time he was in the kitchen of the kiosk he rented. He was washing the dishes to be used for the wedding.

After cleaning up, the witness entered the house and heard the sound of an explosion. He then saw above the ceiling or ceiling of the house there was a fire.

The victim then ran towards the back of the house to save himself. The construction of the house made of wood made the fire quickly spread and spread to the surrounding buildings in the Pundu Market complex.

The new fire can be extinguished around 17.30 WIB. The fire was extinguished by the community, assisted by two fire engines from PT Windu Nabatindo, two fire engines from Katingan Regency and three fire engines from the East Kotawaringin Fire and Rescue Service.

It is estimated that around 50 buildings were burned, consisting of houses and kiosks. Data collection is still being carried out regarding the owner of the building and the losses suffered.

It is suspected that the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit. However, to find out the cause, the police are currently investigating the incident by asking witnesses and collecting evidence.

"Public kitchens from the village government have been established but there are still many shortages of cooking utensils and basic ingredients. From the Fire Department, BPBD and Social Services have dispatched assistance from Sampit for public kitchens carried out by the Social Service," said Ubaidillah.