Indonesia office fire (Photo credit: AP)

A blaze swept through a seven-storey office building in central Jakarta on Tuesday, leaving at least 17 people dead after workers were trapped inside as thick smoke poured into the air. Police confirmed the casualties, saying the fire broke out in the afternoon and spread rapidly through the structure, triggering panic in the busy neighbourhood.Videos circulated by local broadcaster Kompas TV showed flames shooting out of the upper floors as firefighters battled to reach those stuck inside. Dense black smoke engulfed the area, forcing nearby residents and office staff to flee onto the streets. Emergency crews were seen carrying multiple body bags out of the charred building as efforts continued to check for survivors.Authorities said the building houses the offices of Terra Drone Indonesia, a company that provides drone services for sectors ranging from mining to agriculture, Reuters reportedKompas TV reported that dozens of firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze, which was eventually brought under control after a prolonged operation.This comes on the heels of devastating blaze in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district last month that killed nearly 160 people.This is a developing story. Details to follow…