Post by : Meena Ariff

A tragic fire broke out late Sunday night at a nursing home for elderly residents in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, resulting in the deaths of 16 people and leaving three others injured. The fire started around 8:30 PM local time and quickly spread throughout the building, leaving little time for escape.

Firefighters responded promptly to emergency calls and arrived at the Damai retirement home to find many victims trapped inside their rooms. Authorities believe that most of the victims were elderly residents who were resting at the time the fire began. The blaze was brought under control and fully extinguished by 9:30 PM.

Local officials reported that the bodies of the victims were severely burned, making identification difficult. Police have urged the families of the deceased to come forward to assist with the identification process, as many of the victims were found in an unrecognizable condition.

A nearby resident, Steven Mokodompit, played a crucial role in helping evacuate the nursing home residents. He described how the fire started in the kitchen area and quickly engulfed the entire building within minutes. Steven and others used tables and ladders to help residents escape through the back of the building. During the fire, they also heard an explosion and cries for help, highlighting the chaotic and dangerous situation.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire to determine what led to this tragic incident. This disaster underscores the vulnerability of elderly populations during emergencies, especially in care facilities.

Unfortunately, deadly fires are not uncommon in Indonesia. Just earlier this month, a fire in a seven-story office building in the capital city of Jakarta claimed 22 lives, raising serious concerns about fire safety standards and emergency preparedness in the country. This recent tragedy at the nursing home adds to the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect the most vulnerable.