20 killed in nightclub inferno

Fire gutted the popular entertainment center M City in the North Sumatra capital of Medan late Friday, killing at least 20 people, 11 male and nine female, and severely injuring dozens of others.

The fatalities and the victims were brought to Pirngadi Hospital.

The fire was first spotted at around 8:30 p.m. when thick black smoke was seen billowing from the third floor of the entertainment complex, where the karaoke lounges were situated.

North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Badrudin Haiti said the thick smoke trapped visitors and prevented them from finding the exits. "Most of them died of suffocation," he said.

Medan Police chief Sr. Comr. Imam Margono said police were still investigating the cause of the fire.

"We can not confirm *the cause of the fire* now," he said.

Eyewitness Suhendra said he heard an explosion and saw smoke come out of the third floor.

However, Medan Fire Department chief Vukko Redward W. Bakkara said a short circuit most probably caused the fire. He added that firemen had difficulty evacuating the victims because most of the karaoke lounges were locked when the fire erupted. Most of the fatalities were found on the third and fourth floors, he added.

"We're afraid there are still victims *trapped inside*," he said.

The number of fatalities is feared to keep rising.

Rescue workers were seen carrying a number of body bags as they came out of the building, while firemen were struggling to douse the fire until before midnight.

Police had to close down Jl. Gatot Subroto and Jl. Waringin to give access to fire trucks, ambulances and police cars. Thousands of people had gathered at the scene. - JP