Trapped in a shop, one family died in Mampang Prapatan

Four of the seven victims killed were from the same family. The victims were trapped in the fire due to the lack of evacuation routes.

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

Firefighters are still struggling to ensure that the fire at Saudara Frame & Gallery's picture frame store in Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta, is extinguished on Friday (19/4/2024). Seven people died in this incident.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The fire that occurred at the Saudara Frame & Gallery frame shop in Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta, has become the subject of evaluation especially for fire mitigation authorities. Some things that require attention are the availability of lightweight fire extinguishing equipment and inadequate evacuation routes.

The head of Mampang Prapatan sub-district, Ujang Hermawan, said on Friday (19/4/2024) that this fire incident is truly heartbreaking, not only because it occurred in the middle of the city, but also because the number of fatalities is very high.

"This incident is a lesson for all parties to be more aware of the dangers of fire," said Ujang.

Seven people died in the incident and five other victims were injured. Four out of the seven deceased victims were from the same family. All the bodies of the victims were brought to Bhayangkara TK I R Said Sukanto Hospital or the Police Hospital in Kramatjati, East Jakarta. The injured victims are being treated at Tarakan General Hospital in Central Jakarta, Pasar Minggu General Hospital in South Jakarta, and Siloam Hospital in Mampang, South Jakarta.

There are several things that need attention, namely the inadequate availability of lightweight fire extinguishing tools so that when an explosion occurs, the fire is not immediately handled. Moreover, this business place stores flammable materials such as thinner and paint. According to Ujang, the initial indication is that the fire was caused by a compressor explosion or ignited gasoline.

"However, the certainty is still under investigation by the police," he said.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Firefighters cool down a burning frame shop on Jalan Mampang Prapatan, Jakarta, Friday (19/4/2024).

On the other hand, he appealed that business premises should not be used as residences. Because, if a disaster occurs, residents could be threatened.

Like the recent fire incident, there were seven fatalities. The victims were all from one family, consisting of the wife and two children of the gallery owner, an elderly resident who was the owner's father-in-law, and three domestic helpers.

Equally important is the availability of evacuation routes. In fact, every building should have an evacuation route for occupants to evacuate themselves. However, in reality, these buildings still do not have adequate evacuation facilities.

Also read: Seven People Killed in Raging Fire in Mampang Prapatan

The burned buildings were packed closely together with other buildings. The only evacuation space is through the front door. "This situation will certainly be evaluated, especially for business owners," said Ujang.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

A fire that hit a frame shop on Jalan Mampang Prapatan killed seven people. Five other people were injured.

Regarding the background of the business, according to Ujang, this shop house is estimated to have been standing for 30 years. "This is a family business that has been passed down from parents to their three children," said Ujang.

Wiga Pratama, a 27-year-old firefighter from Sector III Mampang, stated that the situation inside the building was very complicated. "The access path is severely limited, so reaching the point of the fire requires extra effort," he said.

Moreover, on the fourth and fifth floors of the building, there are flammable items such as thinner, paint, and wood. "We have to be careful because the fire could flare up again," she said.

Also read: Fire in Mampang Kills 7 People, Traffic Jams

Although the fire was able to be put out on Thursday night, according to Wiga, the atmosphere inside the room is still very hot. "The fire was blazing very strongly," he said.

No wonder, he also had to wet his body many times.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Traders were stuck in traffic while pulling their carts on Mampang Prapatan Street, Jakarta, on Friday (19/4/2024). The congestion was partly caused by firefighting activities at the Saudara picture frame store, which was engulfed in flames and claimed the lives of seven people.

Cecep (60), a resident of Mampang Prapatan, witnessed the enormity of the fire. "We didn't dare to approach because it was very hot," he said.

Residents did not have time to help by pouring water. "We just resigned ourselves to waiting for the firefighters to arrive," said Cecep.

According to him, this shop has been around for a long time. "Almost every day this shop is always busy," he said.

Cecep doesn't personally know the owner, but the shop owner is a very generous person. "Almost every year, the shop owner provides food assistance to the surrounding residents," he said.