Jakarta, ThedailyID — Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit from a refrigerator inside the pharmacy room caused the fire at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital.
Officials said the fire broke out on Friday and quickly spread smoke across several areas of the hospital. Emergency crews immediately evacuated patients and visitors during the incident.
Police and firefighters later identified a refrigerator in the pharmacy section as the suspected source of the fire.
Authorities said the appliance likely experienced an electrical short circuit before flames emerged.
Fortunately, officials reported no fatalities from the incident. However, the fire caused panic among patients, medical staff, and visitors inside the hospital complex.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames before the fire spread further into other medical facilities.
Hospital management also confirmed that medical services continued operating while officers secured the affected area.
Meanwhile, investigators continue examining the exact cause of the fire and assessing damage inside the pharmacy room.
East Java Regional Police said investigators will inspect electrical installations and supporting equipment connected to the room.
The incident quickly gained public attention because Dr. Soetomo Hospital serves as one of Indonesia’s largest referral hospitals.
Authorities urged hospitals and public facilities to strengthen electrical safety inspections to prevent similar incidents.
