Unsupervised fire truck hits, kills 9-year-old

TANGERANG: A 9-year-old boy died when a fire truck left unsupervised rolled while firefighters were extinguishing a fire in Ciledug, Tangerang, Banten, police reported on Tuesday.

The boy, identified as Muhammad Elgiris, died instantly.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Chrysnanda Dwi Laksana said that several people were injured in the incident.

The truck was among two fire engines deployed to put out a fire in a grocery store owned by Juang Hong on Jl. Raden Fatah, Sudimara Barat.

"According to eyewitnesses, the truck was left empty while firemen were extinguishing the fire," Chrysnanda said.

"Suddenly it moved by itself, hitting people in the crowd who were watching the incident."

The truck stopped after it struck an electricity pole.

Chrysnanda said the truck's driver, as well as eyewitnesses, had been questioned by Ciledug Police.

"The driver could be charged with negligence," he said. - JP