20 killed in Indonesian nightclub inferno

At least 20 people have died in a fire that destroyed a nightclub in Indonesia's South Sumatra province.

At least 20 people have died in a fire that destroyed a nightclub in Indonesia's South Sumatra province.

Police said the blaze gutted four floors of a large karaoke bar in the provincial capital of Palembang.

Several of the victims died after jumping from windows on the upper floors to escape the flames.

Investigators believe the blaze was caused by an electrical short circuit.

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Rescuers blasted through the wall of the club to allow dozens of people trapped inside to escape from the burning building.

Firefighters expectto discover more bodies after searching through the building.

Operators of karaoke bars, cinemas, Internet cafes and other entertainment businesses in Indonesia frequently ignore fire safety rules or fail to provide emergency exits on the premises.

AP