Credited from: APNEWS
In a devastating incident on January 20, eight individuals lost their lives in a fire at a retirement home located on the outskirts of Belgrade, Serbia. The fire, which is believed to have been caused by arson, erupted around 3:30 a.m., involving approximately 30 residents at the facility, according to reports from AP News.
Serbia's Minister for Labor and Social Issues, Nemanja Starovic, confirmed that the fire was likely initiated by a resident of the home who tragically died in the blaze. He noted, "There are indications that this tragedy was caused by criminal activity of one individual," as reported by CNN.
Seven others suffered injuries, with at least one individual in serious condition requiring a ventilator. Emergency teams responded promptly, but unfortunately, the fire had already caused significant harm, engulfing over a third of the facility. Luka Causic, from the government’s emergency department, expressed their sentiments on this major tragedy, stating it could have had a more catastrophic outcome. The injured were swiftly transported to hospitals in Belgrade.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, seeking to uncover more details regarding the event's circumstances. The social care minister described this as a profound tragedy, reflecting the need for robust safety measures in such care facilities.
For more information, visit Reuters.