The Number Of Class I Prison Guards In Tangerang Is Only 13 People, It Is Difficult To Evacuate Prisoners During A Fire

Tangerang Class I Prison caught fire/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - The number of security officers at the Class I Penitentiary (Lapas) Tangerang is quite unequal when compared to inmates. Because, there are only 13 officers on duty in each shift.

"The strength of each shit is 13 people," said Head of Public Relations and Protocol of the Directorate General of Past Rika Apriyanti to reporters, Wednesday, September 8.

In fact, the number of prisoners in the Class I prison in Tangerang reached 2,069 people and specifically in block C2 there were 122 people.

The lack of officers at the time of picket made it difficult to evacuate prisoners in the cells. Moreover, the detention cell was still locked when the fire broke out.

However, Rika did not confirm the alleged cause of the many fatalities. He stressed that they are still investigating the matter.

"The cause is of course currently being investigated in collaboration with the police," said Rika.

Previously, a fire broke out at the Tangerang Class I Prison on Wednesday, September 8, in the early hours of the morning. As a result of the fire, 41 inmates died.

In addition, it was recorded that 8 inmates suffered serious injuries and 72 inmates suffered minor injuries. They have been taken to the clinic for treatment.

So far, the cause of the fire is still being investigated. However, it is suspected that the cause was an electric short circuit.