A fire in Muara Baru, Penjaringa, on the coast of North Jakarta, destroyed about 30 vessels and injured three people on Saturday.

“We have yet to ascertain the exact number of vessels that were destroyed. So far, we predict that 30 vessels were razed in the fire,” North Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency head Satriadi Gunawan said on Sunday morning as quoted by kompas.com.

The agency received a report of the fire at 3.16 p.m. and a fire and rescue team arrived at the scene four minutes later.

Twenty-three fire trucks were deployed, extinguishing the flames by 5.16 a.m. the next day.

When the fire and rescue team arrived, only three vessels were ablaze, but strong winds and the position of the vessels – anchored side by side – allowed the flames to spread easily and quickly, Satriadi said.

Three people were administered to Atma Jaya Hospital for smoke inhalation. They were two employees from a factory located near the scene and a fire rescue officer. 

Thick, black smoke from the blaze prompted the police to evacuate workers from nearby fish and shrimp factories.

Tanjung Priok Police chief Sr. Adj. Comr. Reynold Hutagalung said the fire had been started by welding activities on one of the vessels.  

“We believe the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit from welding activities on the Artamina Jaya,” he said on Saturday as quoted by kompas.com.

Police are questioning seven eyewitnesses, including the captain and crew members. 

The extent of the damage caused by the fire is still unknown.

“The cause of the incident is under police investigation. We are waiting for the results from our forensic laboratory,” Satriadi added. (sau)

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