Palembang, KOTABARI.COM – A devastating fire broke out in Lorong Famili Setia in Kelurahan 7 Ulu, SU 1 District, Palembang on Tuesday night (8/11/2023). The fire has left eight families without a place to call home as it razed eight houses.
The fire, which first erupted around 8:30 PM local time, originated from the residence of Sarkasih (50), who was found lifeless by the firefighting personnel while they battled the flames. Sarkasih was known to be a person with a mental disorder (ODGJ). The fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit in his house.
The four houses that were severely damaged by the fire include Sarkasih’s home, Daud’s home, Abdullah’s home, and Husni Habi’s home. All of these houses suffered significant damage. The flames also spread to the neighboring house, which housed gas cylinders, resulting in two explosions that further fueled the fire.
Residents quickly evacuated their homes, attempting to save themselves and their valuable possessions. They also made efforts to combat the fire using whatever makeshift tools they had, all while hoping that the fire would not spread further.
The situation worsened as few belongings could be salvaged from the raging inferno, and the material losses are estimated to reach hundreds of millions of Indonesian Rupiah.
Herryanto, the head of Lorong 7 Ulu, confirmed that one casualty was found at the scene with burn injuries and was subsequently transported to Bhayangkara Hospital in Palembang for further medical treatment. The fire was finally extinguished at around 9:30 PM local time.
Local residents valiantly fought to extinguish the flames with the assistance of seven firefighting vehicles. Additionally, at least four other houses were affected by the fire, including the homes of M Utih, Meri, Fauzi, and Amir, all of which were occupied by families.
Herryanto, the head of the sub-district, explained that authorities are currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the impact on those affected by this calamitous fire. The local community hopes that support and assistance will be made available promptly to aid those affected by the fire.