Jakarta. A fire tore through the Mediterania Tanjung Duren Apartment in West Jakarta on Thursday morning, triggering panic among residents as firefighters raced to evacuate dozens trapped inside the smoke-filled building.

Emergency crews deployed ladders along multiple sides of the tower to reach upper-floor units, rescuing residents from balconies and windows as thick smoke spread across several floors. The blaze, reported at around 7:31 a.m., prompted authorities to dispatch at least 22 fire engines to the scene.

Data from the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency’s command post shows that around 25 residents remain trapped, all in Tower C between the sixth and 33rd floors.

West Jakarta Fire and Rescue platoon commander Joko Susilo said evacuation efforts were ongoing amid hazardous conditions.

“Evacuation is still underway. Smoke remains thick on several floors,” he said in a statement.

Authorities said the fire has been contained, but heavy gray and black smoke continued to billow from the building, particularly around the mid-level floors, seeping into residential units and complicating rescue operations.

Firefighters in full protective gear, equipped with oxygen tanks, worked to reach residents trapped between lower and upper levels. Some occupants were seen calling for help from windows, while others were guided to safety using emergency ladders. In several cases, residents were evacuated on stretchers after suffering burns or breathing difficulties.

At least one victim who lost consciousness due to oxygen deprivation was carried out and transported for medical treatment. Ambulances moved in and out of the complex, taking injured residents to nearby hospitals, including Royal Taruma Hospital.

Police confirmed that most residents had been evacuated, although rescue and cooling operations were still ongoing. Grogol Petamburan police chief Reza Aditya said firefighters were working to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

“Extinguishing and cooling are still in progress. Residents are being evacuated, and most have already exited the building,” he said.

Witnesses said the fire broke out shortly after 7:15 a.m., sparking immediate panic. Residents rushed out of the building as smoke rapidly filled hallways and units.

Videos circulating on social media showed dramatic scenes of firefighters climbing metal ladders to reach trapped occupants, some of whom had climbed out of windows to escape. In one case, an elderly resident was evacuated from an upper floor with assistance from rescue teams.

Preliminary data from authorities showed at least 19 residents had been evacuated, several of whom required oxygen support or hospital treatment. Among them were elderly occupants and a teenager.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Firefighters continue to monitor the site to prevent reignition as cooling efforts proceed.