JAKARTA – Eight people died in a large fire at a cooking oil factory near the Indonesian capital Jakarta, the local fire authorities said on Nov 1.

       Around 20 firefighting trucks are at the site and have contained the blaze in most areas of the factory, the authorities said.

       Footage from Metro TV showed large flames and billowing black smoke coming out of a building in the centre of the complex in Bekasi, a city on Jakarta’s eastern edge.

       The report said roads had been closed around the factory.

       All of the bodies had been taken away from the site, Mr Suhartono, head of Bekasi’s fire department, told Reuters. He added that three other people were injured.

       But the number of casualties could still rise, he said.

       The local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

       By signing up, I accept SPH Media's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy as amended from time to time.

       The factory is operated by Primus Sanus Cooking Oil Industrial (Priscolin), local fire department staff member Maswa told Reuters. REUTERS