Deadly fire at Indonesian elderly care home claims 16 lives

At least 16 people have died and three others were injured after a fire swept through a nursing home for elderly residents in northern Indonesia, according to local authorities. The blaze broke out at the Damai Retirement Home in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, late on Sunday. Firefighters received an emergency call at about 12:30 GMT and rushed to the scene. Most of the victims were found inside their rooms, said Jimmy Rotinsulu, head of Manado’s fire and rescue agency. He explained that the residents were likely resting when the fire started, leaving them little chance to e

At least 16 people have died and three others were injured after a fire swept through a nursing home for elderly residents in northern Indonesia, according to local authorities. The blaze broke out at the Damai Retirement Home in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, late on Sunday. Firefighters received an emergency call at about 12:30 GMT and rushed to the scene. Most of the victims were found inside their rooms, said Jimmy Rotinsulu, head of Manado’s fire and rescue agency. He explained that the residents were likely resting when the fire started, leaving them little chance to escape. Fire crews managed to bring the flames under control by around 13:30 GMT on Sunday. Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities are also working to identify the victims and have asked family members to contact the hospital where the bodies were taken. A local official told online news outlet Detikcom that many of the bodies were severely burned and difficult to recognize.