Massive fire destroys over 30 vessels in Jakarta

Pictures and video footage in social media by the DPKP Jakarta Province's Fire and Rescue Service depict the rage of the fire, which was firstly reported at 3.16 p.m. 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, The Jakarta post reported.

When the fire and rescue team arrived, only three vessels were on fire, but strong winds and the position of the vessels – anchored side by side – allowed the flames to spread 'easily and quickly', according to North Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency head Satriadi Gunawan as quoted by local media.

Meanwhile, three people were administered to Atma Jaya Hospital for smoke inhalation. Two of them were employees from a factory located near the scene and one was a fire rescue officer.

The cause of the accident is yet to be officially determined, but officials suspect the fire originated from welding activities on one of the vessels.

The incident is under investigation and the exact extent of the damage is examined.