Tragic Fire Claims Lives at Nursing Home in Manado
A devastating fire broke out at the Werdha Damai retirement home located on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, resulting in the loss of 16 lives and injuring three others. This heartbreaking incident, reported by local authorities, underscores the challenges posed by fire safety in such facilities.
Incident Details
According to Jimmu Rotinsulu, head of the fire and rescue agency in Manado, the emergency services received an alert about the blaze at approximately 8:31 PM local time (12:31 GMT) on Sunday. Responders arrived quickly, but the situation was dire.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
“We recorded 16 fatalities; three individuals sustained burn injuries,” Rotinsulu informed news outlets. Most of the victims were discovered in their rooms, as many elderly residents were likely at rest when the fire ignited. Fortunately, authorities were able to evacuate 12 residents without injury, promptly transporting them to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Witness Accounts and Media Footage
Local media outlet Metro TV broadcast footage showing the nursing home engulfed in flames, while concerned locals assisted in evacuating an elderly individual amid the chaos. The heart-wrenching scenes captured the urgency and desperation of the situation as the fire raged on.
Context of Fire Incidents in Indonesia
This tragedy is part of a troubling pattern of fatal fires across Indonesia, a nation made up of more than 17,000 islands. Just earlier this month, a fire ravaged a seven-story office building in Jakarta, leading to at least 22 deaths. Additionally, a catastrophic explosion at a nickel-processing plant in eastern Indonesia claimed 12 lives this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety measures in various industries.
Conclusion
The fire at the Werdha Damai retirement home stands as a solemn reminder of the importance of fire safety in residential care facilities. Communities must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing safety protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Key Takeaways
- A fire at the Werdha Damai retirement home in Manado has resulted in 16 deaths and three injuries.
- Most victims were found in their rooms, likely resting when the fire started.
- Emergency services managed to safely evacuate 12 residents without injury.
- This incident reflects a broader trend of deadly fires in Indonesia, raising urgent safety concerns.