Indonesian fireworks factory blast kills scores

TANGERANG, Indonesia — An explosion and inferno at a fireworks factory near the Indonesian capital on Thursday killed at least 47 people, most of them female workers who were apparently locked inside, and injured dozens.

Witnesses said a huge explosion was heard from the factory at about 10 a.m. and then smaller blasts echoed across the neighborhood as orange flames jumped from the building and columns of black smoke billowed from it.

The death toll could rise because many of those who escaped suffered extensive burns, said Nico Afinta, general crimes director for Jakarta police. He said bodies were found piled at the rear of the building.

Police said 103 people were working at the factory and 10 are still unaccounted for. It’s possible some or all of those 10 had not come to work or suffered only minor injuries and didn’t seek medical attention, said Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono.

A local resident told Indonesia’s MetroTV he saw police and residents smash through a wall of the factory so trapped workers could escape. Some of the victims were burning as they ran out, he said.

“The fire began with a strong explosion like a bomb,” Benny, who goes by one name, told the TV channel.

A worker who escaped said the staff comprised mostly women employed on a casual basis.

Mumum, who goes by one name, told Indonesia’s TVOne she started working at the factory a few weeks ago and was paid 40,000 rupiah, or $3, a day.

“I lost so many friends. I couldn’t help. Everybody just ran for safety,” she said, weeping.

The factory is located next to a residential area in Tangerang, a city on the western outskirts of Jakarta. A police report said the fire spread after an explosion that caused the roof to collapse.

Video showed flames shooting high above the structure and billowing clouds of black smoke spreading across the neighborhood as residents looked on in horror.

Tangerang police Chief Hary Kurniawan said 46 injured people were being treated at hospitals.