It is still being investigated. However, we need a criminal laboratory to conduct investigationsBatam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Fire erupted in four boats at a customs pier in Batam City, Riau Islands Province, on Tuesday, though there were no resulting casualties or injuries.
The boats comprised a speedboat and barge seized by the local customs authorities as evidence.
Deputy Chief of the Batuaji Police Precinct Adjunct Senior Commissioner Indra spoke of having received information of the fire by local security guards at 8:00 WIB (Western Indonesia Time).
The police continue to probe the cause of the fire. An eyewitness revealed that a cigarette butt gave rise to the fire.
"It is still being investigated. However, we need a criminal laboratory to conduct investigations," he remarked.
The boats were empty when they had caught fire, he remarked.
According to Indra, no casualties were reported in the fire.
A crew member survived by plunging into the sea when the conflagration occurred.
Four fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, and the blaze could be extinguished nearly two hours later at 10:30 WIB.
Meanwhile, the local customs official was unavailable for comment on the fire.
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Translator: Yuniati Jannatun N/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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