West Jakarta police have identified the source of a recent fire at the Mediterania Apartment in Tanjung Duren as an electrical panel located in the basement area. While the blaze itself was rapidly contained, the incident generated a significant plume of smoke that permeated the building, subsequently spreading to the upper floors.
Speaking from the Mediterania Apartment on Thursday (30/4), West Jakarta Police Chief Kombes Pol Twedi Aditya Bennyahdi confirmed, “We received initial information from local security officers that the source of the fire originated from an electrical panel in the basement.” He further elaborated that although the fire was swiftly extinguished, the pervasive smoke had already billowed and infiltrated the building’s cable pathways, allowing it to spread into rooms and residential units on the higher levels.
Crucially, Chief Bennyahdi moved to debunk widespread misinformation circulating on social media regarding the incident. He unequivocally stated that no flames directly extended to residents’ living units, contradicting reports that suggested otherwise. “We must emphasize that no fire directly touched any residential unit,” he affirmed. “We also apologize for photographs circulating on social media depicting units as if they were burned and windows charred. We confirm that not a single unit was directly impacted by the fire.”
Despite the absence of direct fire damage to apartments, the smoke’s reach was extensive. Coordination with evacuation officers revealed that the smoke ascended significantly, reaching as high as approximately the 33rd floor. Fortunately, the situation has since improved, with Chief Bennyahdi noting, “Currently, air conditions on every floor are beginning to improve, and smoke is no longer visible.”
Authorities are still actively investigating the precise cause of the Mediterania Apartment fire. While the investigation is ongoing, police officials underscore that their immediate and primary focus remains on ensuring the safe evacuation of all residents from the building. “Regarding the cause of the fire, it is currently in the investigation phase. Our main focus right now is the evacuation process,” Twedi concluded, highlighting the commitment to resident safety.
Summary
The West Jakarta Police have confirmed that the fire at the Mediterania Apartment in Tanjung Duren was caused by a short circuit in the basement’s electrical panel. Although the fire was quickly extinguished, thick smoke traveled through the building’s cable shafts, reaching as high as the 33rd floor.
Police emphasized that no residential units were directly affected by the fire, refuting false reports circulating on social media regarding property damage. Authorities are currently continuing their investigation while prioritizing evacuation efforts and ensuring that air quality within the building returns to normal.