Cleaning service worker risks own life for others
R. Berto Wedhatama, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 08/06/2010 2:54 PM
SOS: Cleaning service worker Madani, waits for rescuers on the fourth floor of on-fire state shipping company PT Pelni office building in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta on Friday. Firefighters rescued the man, who was immediately rushed to the hospital. -- JP/R. Berto Wedhatama
Many survived a fire that gutted state-owned shipping
company (PT Pelni) office building on Jl. Angkasa in Kemayoran, Central
Jakarta on Friday, thanks in part to a cleaning service worker, who nearly lost his life due to his rescue efforts.
Madani was the last person to survive the disaster, after fire fighters rescued him from the fourth floor of the building. He had been trapped in the smoke-filled floor as he could not find the emergency stairs.
A number of fellow cleaning service workers said Madani had guided them to the emergency exit as soon as the fire started from the seventh floor at 10:30 a.m. Madani was busy helping others seek safety but almost forgot his life was at risk, one of the survivors said.
Madani was seen protect his life from the thick smoke using his shirt as he was waiting for a rescue.
He was immediately admitted to the hospital.
A short circuit at the seventh floor is said to have caused the fire. At least 24 fire engines were deployed to put out the flame.
