A devastating fire at a retirement home in the Indonesian city of Manado has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 16 individuals, according to local police officials. The incident occurred on Sulawesi island, casting a pall over the community.
Blaze Tears Through Werdha Damai Home
The fire broke out at the Werdha Damai retirement home and raged through the building before firefighters managed to fully extinguish the flames late on Sunday. Police official Alamsyah P. Hasibuan confirmed to the state news agency Antara that authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Television footage captured by Metro TV showed the horrifying scene, with fierce flames engulfing the structure and illuminating the night sky. In the chaotic moments, residents could be seen attempting to assist an elderly person to safety, escaping the burning building.
Elderly Residents Trapped Inside
Jimmy Rotinsulu, the chief of Manado's fire department, provided grim details in an interview with Metro TV. He stated that many of the home's residents, a majority of whom were senior citizens, found themselves trapped inside the building as the fire spread rapidly. The vulnerability of the elderly occupants significantly hampered evacuation efforts.
In addition to the fatalities, the fire also left a trail of injury and trauma. Rotinsulu confirmed that three other people sustained burn injuries during the incident. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to the scene to provide medical aid and contain the situation.
Aftermath and Ongoing Assessment
In the wake of the tragedy, officials remain on-site, working diligently to assess the full extent of the damage. A critical part of their efforts involves accounting for all individuals affected by the fire and providing necessary support to the victims' families and the injured.
The community of Manado is now left to mourn the significant loss of life in this heartbreaking event at a place meant to be a sanctuary for its elderly residents.
