A devastating fire at a nursing home in Barajevo, a municipality on the outskirts of Belgrade, Serbia, has resulted in the tragic deaths of eight residents and injuries to seven others. The fire, which broke out around 3:30 a.m. local time, is suspected to have been caused by arson, with initial investigations indicating that one of the deceased residents may have started the blaze.

Key Takeaways

  • Eight residents lost their lives in the fire, while seven others were injured.
  • The fire occurred at the Ivanovic Nursing Home, which housed 30 residents at the time.
  • Authorities suspect arson as the cause, with one resident believed to be responsible.
  • Emergency services responded quickly, evacuating 13 residents from the facility.

The fire engulfed more than a third of the nursing home, which is located in a rural area far from the center of Belgrade. Emergency crews arrived shortly after the fire was reported, but the flames had already spread significantly by that time. The swift response of the firefighters was praised, as they managed to evacuate several residents despite the challenging conditions.

According to Serbian Social Care Minister Nemanja Starovic, the nursing home was compliant with fire safety regulations and had a valid license. However, the tragic incident has raised questions about the safety and security measures in place for vulnerable populations in such facilities.

The injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Belgrade, with at least one person reported to be in serious condition and on a ventilator. The local authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, and an autopsy of the victims has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

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Minister Starovic expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, stating, "This is a huge tragedy, but it could have been even worse."

As the investigation unfolds, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced safety protocols in elderly care facilities to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In light of this incident, it is crucial for authorities to review and reinforce safety measures in nursing homes across the country to ensure the well-being of residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding the lives of those in care facilities, as well as the need for comprehensive support systems for the elderly population.

Sources

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