41 Killed As Fire Gobbles Up Prison Near Jakarta

A fire broke out at a prison near the Indonesian capital Jakarta early Wednesday, killing at least 41 people, according to a spokeswoman at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

Photo Insert: Tangerang penitentiary in Tangerang after the fire.

The fire at the Tangerang penitentiary in Tangerang, just outside Jakarta, has also left nine people seriously injured and 31 others with slight injuries, said Rika Aprianti, spokeswoman at the ministry's Directorate General for Penitentiary.

Tangerang penitentiary houses convicted drug traders and militant elements who have supported Islamic fundamentalists.

Jail officials said they are investigating the fire, Kyodo News reported.

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