A large fire at a cooking oil factory in Bekasi, near Jakarta, claimed the lives of eight people on Friday, according to local authorities. The blaze, which broke out in a facility operated by PT Primus Sanus Cooking Oil Industrial (Priscolin), has largely been contained with the help of around 20 firefighting trucks.
Footage showed flames and thick black smoke engulfing the industrial complex, with road closures implemented around the area. Bekasi’s fire department chief, Suhartono, confirmed that all eight bodies have been recovered, and three additional people have been injured. However, he warned that the casualty count could rise as investigations continue.
Local officials are currently investigating the cause of the fire.