On Monday, a devastating fire broke out at a care facility for older people in Barajevo, on the outskirts of Belgrade, Serbia. The blaze, suspected to be an act of arson by a resident, resulted in the tragic loss of eight lives and left seven others injured.
The fire, which started around 3:30 a.m., quickly engulfed over a third of the care facility, located in a rural area. Emergency crews responded promptly, but the intensity of the fire had already taken its toll.
Authorities reported that 30 individuals were present in the home when the fire erupted. The injured were swiftly transported to hospitals in Belgrade, with one individual in serious condition, according to medical professionals.
Serbian Social Care Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the swift response of emergency teams. The state prosecutor's office confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, with initial findings pointing towards one of the residents as the suspected arsonist.
While the exact circumstances leading to the fire are still under scrutiny, the tragic loss of life has cast a shadow over the community. Emergency sector officers highlighted the severity of the situation, acknowledging the magnitude of the tragedy while also noting that the outcome could have been even more devastating.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for vigilance in care facilities. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible incident.
