An explosion and inferno at a firecracker factory near the Indonesian capital on Thursday killed at least 47 people and injured dozens, police said.
The fire began Thursday morning at the factory next to a residential area in Tangerang, a city in Banten province on the western outskirts of Jakarta. A police report said the fire spread after an explosion and that the factory’s roof had collapsed.
Tangerang police chief Hary Kurniawan said the death toll could rise further as many of the dozens of injured have extensive burns.
WATCH: Explosion, inferno at Indonesia fireworks factory kills 47
He said all 47 bodies recovered so far were found in the remains of the factory and a search is continuing.
The factory had been operating for less than two months, he said.
Get daily National news
Indonesia’s MetroTV, quoting a local official, said although the factory had a permit, its proximity to a residential area was against regulations. Safety laws are often inconsistently enforced in Indonesia.
- Canada denies entry to Iranian football boss, but initially was granted permit
- Anand backs report Iran soccer officials had Canada entry permission revoked
- Why did Canada not challenge Iran’s nomination to UN nuclear weapons body?
- Tourist dies after being bitten at snake charming show on Egypt vacation
A Jakarta police official, Nico Afinda, said the bodies were found piled at the rear of the building.
The factory had more than 100 employees, according to Afinda.
WATCH: Victims of deadly blast at Indonesian fireworks factory believed to mostly be women
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.