A tragic incident unfolded on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, where a fire at the Werdha Damai retirement home has resulted in the heartbreaking loss of 16 lives, with three others injured. The devastating event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by nursing facilities in ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents, particularly in regions prone to safety lapses.
A fire at a nursing home on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has led to the loss of 16 lives and left three individuals injured, according to local police reports. The blaze occurred at the Werdha Damai retirement home in Manado, with firefighters receiving the alarm shortly after 8:30 PM local time on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Jimmu Rotinsulu, the head of Manado’s fire and rescue agency, confirmed the unfortunate toll of the incident, indicating that many victims were discovered in their rooms. The tragedy is particularly poignant as the elderly residents were likely resting when the fire broke out, underscoring the vulnerabilities that such facilities often face. Despite the chaos, authorities were able to evacuate 12 individuals from the building, all of whom were unharmed and subsequently transferred to a local hospital for precautionary care.
Pictures broadcasted by Metro TV depicted the flames engulfing the premises while local residents assisted in helping evacuate those trapped inside. This fire is not an isolated case; Indonesia, an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands, has witnessed several fatal fires in recent months. Just earlier in December, a fire ravaged a seven-story office building in the nation’s capital, Jakarta, tragically claiming at least 22 lives.
These incidents reflect a critical need for enhanced safety protocols and infrastructure improvements within the country’s facilities designed for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. With the growing demand for senior care services, ensuring the safety and security of residents should remain a priority for both local and national authorities. The challenges highlighted by these events call for urgent attention and reform to prevent further tragedies in the future.
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