inp.polri.go.id - Central Papua. A massive fire engulfed the market area in Bapouda Village, East Paniai District, Central Papua Province. Eleven people died in the incident, including five adults and six children.

The fire broke out at around 12:25 a.m. The flames quickly spread to adjacent houses and stalls. Around 40 buildings were reportedly destroyed.

Head of the Public Relations Sub-Division of the Central Papua Regional Police, Police Assistant Superintendent Henry J. Manurung, stated that the blaze engulfed the market area, causing dozens of buildings to burn and claiming lives.

"The fire in the market area in Bapouda Village, East Paniai District, resulted in dozens of houses burning and 11 people dying," he said on Monday (9/7/2026).

All victims were then evacuated to Paniai Regional Hospital for further treatment.

The five adult victims were identified as Na (70), Wa (36), Ha (30), RF (28), and He (30). Meanwhile, the other six victims were children: As (9), Ab (6), Ad (5), Ar (9), Ic (6), and AY (2).

The police deployed a tactical water spraying vehicle to assist in the extinguishing process. The blaze was finally brought under control around 3:30 a.m. 

"The size of the fire and the close proximity of the buildings made the extinguishing process take quite a long time," he said.

After the fire was extinguished, officers immediately inspected several houses and kiosks that had been burned. During the inspection, officers found 11 victims who had died from burns.

The police are still investigating the cause of the fire. Several witnesses have been questioned, while an examination of the crime scene is ongoing to determine the source of the fire.

"The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. We are gathering statements from witnesses and conducting an examination of the scene," he said.

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