Ruko In Medan Caught Fire, One Person Died Trapped

Shophouse fire in Medan/SPECIAL PHOTO

MEDAN - A fire broke out in a 2-floor permanent shophouse on Jalan Seroja, Sunggal Village, Medan Sunggal District, Medan City, North Sumatra. In that incident, a man named Irfan died from smoke inhalation.

The head of the Medan City Fire Prevention and Fighting Service, Albon Sidauruk said the victim died because he ran to the 2nd floor.

"It is suspected that the smoke was found in the bathroom on the 2nd floor," said Albon, Wednesday, February 2.

From public information, the fire came from under the house which was used as a business place to sell groceries, gas and retail oil. On the top floor, the victim's residence with her parents and sister was used.

"At around 07.00 WIB, the victim was filling retail oil. Residents who saw it warned to be careful. Then, at 8 past, the place of business was already open, there were residents who wanted to buy gas and saw the fire was rife below," he explained.

The victim was frightened to see the fire was getting bigger, then went up to the 2nd floor. The victim was trapped by the fire that was getting bigger.

"Maybe he was scared he went into the bathroom. Maybe he inhaled the smoke that's why he died," he said.

Albon said that previously there were residents who had suggested that the victim should jump from the 2nd floor, but this was not done. Currently, he said, the victim had been taken to Pirngadi Hospital, Medan.