Jakarta, Indonesia—Black smoke choked the air in the heart of Central Jakarta this afternoon. A fire broke out in a dense residential alleyway around 1:00 p.m., quickly engulfing the narrow rows of wooden structures.

Residents scrambled to grab what they could, but the heat moved faster than they could run. The fire jumped from roof to roof as the wind fanned the flames across the tightly packed neighborhood.

Emergency sirens wailed as fire trucks fought to push through the congested streets. Firefighters struggled to reach the center of the blaze because of the limited access for heavy equipment.

Neighbors reported hearing a loud crash as the roof of one home collapsed during the height of the intensity. People stood in the streets watching their lives turn into ash.

Officials confirmed that one elderly resident could not escape the building in time. Fire crews recovered the body after they managed to bring the flames under control late this afternoon.

Local authorities have opened an evacuation center at a nearby community hall for those displaced by the incident. At least fifty families have lost their homes and personal belongings to the fire.

Police are currently investigating the cause of the blaze, focusing on reports of an electrical short circuit in one of the older buildings. The site is now sealed off for a full forensic inspection.

Cleanup crews will arrive tomorrow morning to sift through the debris and look for any remaining hazards. The area remains under heavy watch to prevent any looting as people try to recover what is left.