Jakarta Office Fire Kills 22 After Drone Battery Blast

A sudden fire ripped through a seven-storey office building in central Jakarta on Tuesday, leaving at least 22 people dead in one of the capital’s most devastating recent incidents. The blaze began around lunchtime, catching many workers inside as flames spread quickly through the structure.

Early information from police indicates that an exploding drone battery on the ground floor likely triggered the fire. Within minutes, smoke and flames were rising through the upper levels of the building used by an agricultural drone services company. Officers said the final cause will only be confirmed after forensic analysis.

Firefighters reached the area in Kemayoran shortly after the alarm was raised, but witnesses said the situation had already turned severe. One local resident, Nurhayati, 53, recalled seeing heavy smoke pouring from the entrance. According to her, firefighters had to break open the door, only to be met with a surge of intense flames.

More than 100 firefighters and 29 fire trucks were deployed as the blaze continued to climb through the floors. The operation extended for hours as emergency crews worked to bring the fire under control, cool the building and clear the smoke-filled interior.

Authorities later confirmed that most victims appeared to have died of asphyxiation rather than burns. Among the dead were 15 women, including one who was pregnant. A local police commander assisting with evacuations was also injured during the operation.

By the time the flames were extinguished, the building’s façade was charred and several windows had shattered from the heat. Some footages showed firefighters using large industrial fans to push out lingering smoke while officers carried out body bags from inside.

Police have begun questioning witnesses as well as the owners of the business and the building. Investigators will review safety protocols, possible negligence and any structural issues that may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Deadly fires remain a recurring concern across Indonesia, where commercial and industrial safety lapses have led to several tragedies in recent years. Tuesday’s incident has once again raised worries about emergency preparedness in densely packed urban centres.