Following a fire that killed 30 people at a cigarette lighter factory in Sambirejo village, Langkat regency, North Sumatra, Binjai Police have arrested the owner and manager.

The owner, Burhan, 37, and factory manager, Lisnawati, 37, have been named suspects of negligence. They stand accused of failing to ensure the safety of the workers who died in the blaze that broke out on Friday.

The two were detained with Binjai Police for questioning, Binjai Police chief Adj. Sr. Cmr. Nugroho Tri Nuryanto said, adding that they had been asked about the locked doors of the workshop during the fire.

Nugroho said the suspects had denied to police that they had given an order to lock the doors during operational hours. They also said they did not know about the locked doors, saying the factory’s daily operation was monitored by a supervisor who also died in the incident.

“We are still digging further into the information from the suspects. It’s impossible that they didn’t know about the daily operation of the factory, including the door-locking policy,” Nugroho told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

The two suspects could be subject to multiple charges under articles 359 and 360 of the Criminal Code on negligence causing injury or death.

“They could face more than five years of imprisonment,” he added.

Five children were among 30 people who died as fire engulfed the home-based factory on Friday. Most of the victims were female workers who lived nearby and brought their children to work.

All bodies have been taken to Bhayangkara Hospital for autopsy. (dmy)