Police halt investigation into fatal shoe shop fire

Dicky Christanto ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Denpasar   |  Fri, 05/16/2008 12:48 PM  |  Bali

Due to a lack of evidence, the police will close their investigation into a recent fire in Denpasar claiming four lives, says a police officer.

Denpasar Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Alit Widana said the police worked hard, but found no evidence to indicate arson was the cause of the fire which burned down two stores, a Gucci shoe store and a beauty salon.

"The fire was caused by a gas leak. The gas came out of a broken nozzle connecting the gas stove to the gas tube. The gas, which filled the air in the living room and kitchen, was set alight by electric sparks from a rice cooker with a broken connector," he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

He said the police had questioned five witnesses, four who had directly witnessed the incident and Hasan, the only survivor and owner of the shoe store.

The investigation has been closed because we were unable to find any evidence of foul play, Widana said.

The police found no evidence to suspect Hasan, whose wife and three children died in the fire, was criminally liable.

Hasan told the police that he was told by his wife to go downstairs and open the main roller door so family members could escape.

Hasan reached the first floor and managed to exit the store. His family was unable to follow him because, according to forensic reports, they were severely weakened by gas poisoning, Widana said.

"It is likely that the other family members died of gas poisoning. This theory was strengthened by evidence found by forensic officers after examining the bodies. The officers believe they had already passed out before the fire reached them," he said.

The victims remains were cremated Tuesday morning, observing the family's traditional Chinese beliefs.

According to reports, Hasan is currently heading to a relative's house outside the island to deal with his trauma.

The fire burned down the two stores at the Kertha Wijaya Shopping Center, Denpasar, last Thursday. The first and the most damaged was the Gucci shoe store.

The other store was the Trend beauty salon. The fire caused hundred millions of rupiah in damages.

According to witnesses, the fire started at the second floor, where the family' living room and kitchen was located.

Made Mangku Dana, a witness, said he tried to inform the family by banging the main roller door but received no response.

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