A devastating fire has claimed three lives in the Indonesian city of Makassar after violent protests, sparked by the death of a local taxi driver, culminated in demonstrators storming and setting alight council buildings.
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday when hundreds of enraged protesters descended on the local council complex. The unrest was a direct response to the death of a taxi driver, who reportedly took his own life after his vehicle was impounded by local authorities for a licensing violation.
A City Ignited by Grief and Anger
Footage from the scene shows a massive blaze tearing through the government buildings as thick, black smoke billowed into the sky. Riot police were swiftly deployed in an attempt to disperse the large and angry crowds.
Local reports confirm that the charred remains of three individuals were discovered inside the burned-out structures once the inferno was extinguished. The identities of the victims and the exact circumstances of their deaths are currently under investigation.
Official Response and Mounting Tensions
Authorities have condemned the violence. "We deeply regret this incident... We will take firm action against the perpetrators," stated a senior local police official. The incident highlights the growing tensions in the region over local governance and regulatory enforcement.
This event marks a significant escalation in civil unrest in South Sulawesi's capital and serves as a stark reminder of the volatile socio-political climate in certain parts of Indonesia, where public frustration can quickly boil over into violence.
