A massive fire broke out at a retirement home in Tuzla on the seventh floor of the facility.
As per reports from authorities, at least 11 people were killed and more than 30 were injured in that particular blaze. Many of the residents on the upper floor were elderly, bedridden, or immobile, which severely impacted evacuation efforts.
The fire started at about 8:45 pm local time and took nearly an hour to bring back under control. Flames and thick smoke started to pour from upper-floor windows as rescue crews rushed to take trapped residents out.
One resident from the third floor told the press that they heard a serious cracking sound, and when they looked out the window, they saw burning material falling from the sky above.
In the aftermath of this incident, the facility’s director gave his resignation due to mismanagement on display. Officials from across Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed condolences and pledged support for Tuzla.
Investigations into the cause of this blaze and whether safety protocols were followed are being launched at this moment in time. This is said to be one of the deadliest care home fires in the country’s history, raising serious alarm regarding evacuation readiness and fire-safety standards in places housing vulnerable residents.