At least 11 people have died after a fire swept through a market area in Paniai, Central Papua province, Indonesia, in the early hours of Monday. Police said six children and five adults were among those who lost their lives.
The fire broke out at about 12:25 a.m. local time in Bapouda Village, Paniai Timur District, before spreading rapidly to nearby homes and shops. The arrangement of the buildings reportedly contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Emergency responders fought the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control at about 3:30 a.m. Police said about 40 houses and kiosks were destroyed, while the victims were recovered from the scene and taken to Paniai Hospital.
Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Police said the intensity of the blaze and the layout of the affected area created difficulties for firefighters as they worked to contain the incident.
