TEMPO.CO, Tangerang - Jakarta Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General Fadil Imran said the fire in Tangerang Prison was caused by a short circuit. The incident killed 41 inmates.

“I’ve monitored the crime scene. Based on the initial observation, it is suspected due to a short circuit. It will be investigated further,” said Fadil in the penitentiary, Wednesday, September 8.

The fire broke out in Block C of Class 1 Tangerang Prison at 1:45 a.m. early today. The blaze was finally extinguished at around 3 a.m. A total of 41 inmates died, eight were severely injured, and 72 were lightly injured in the tragedy.

Fadil said the injured victims are undergoing medical treatment at Tangerang Regional Hospital, Sitanala Hospital, and the prison health clinics. The dead bodies, meanwhile, will be identified.

Following the fire, Tangerang Police supported by Jakarta Police secured the location and rescued inmates, as well as assisting in fire extinguishing efforts to prevent it from spreading. The Police's Central Forensics Laboratory (Puslabfor) along with Tangerang Police Criminal Investigation Unit, he went on, would work marathons to find out the cause.

Fadil also said the situation in Tangerang Prison was now under control. “We have strengthened the security by mobilizing 150 personnel, consisting of members from Mobile Brigade (Brimob), public order units (Sabhara), and the Tangerang Police,” he said.

Read: Fire at Tangerang Prison Kills at Least 41 Inmates

JONIANSYAH HARDJONO