It has been reported that the fire broke out at 8 pm local time at Serba Jaya store selling household utensils at Jalan KH. A. Khalid.
The flames rapidly spread to nearly shops at Jalan Jenderal Sudirman mostly selling clothes and textile, and inflammable toys.
And the flames also spread and destroyed other shops located behind the shophouse (ruko) complex.
The flames also hit part of the Mesra Indah Mall only a couple of meters from the ruko.
Several explosions were also heard from a shop selling fireworks in the area.
"We still have no idea what had really caused the fire, bit several eye witnesses said they saw the flames came from Serba Jaya store," Samarinda Ilir police chief Ajunct Commissioner Deby said at the fire location.
Tens of fire engines had been deployed to the location, but they have difficulties in reaching the fire because of the very densely populated area and the huge number of people trying to get a close look at the raging flames.
"We are still collecting information from witnesses in investigating the fire. There is still no information on the causes of the mishap," Deby said.
Up to 11.30 pm the fire was still raging.
One of the witnesses said when the fire was still raging the market place was still full of people.
"But suddenly people shouted there is a fire and everybody started to run away. Shortly the flames grew big and destroyed the ruko and other nearby buildings," a Samarinda resident said when the fire was raging she was shopping at Mesra Indah mall.
Up to 11 pm scores of fire engines were still trying to put out and localize the flames.(*)
(T.SYS/A/H-NG/B/H-YH) 27-09-2011 23:22:42
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
