Indonesia: 16 elderly people killed as fire rips through retirement home, 15 others survive

A devastating fire tore through a retirement home in Manado on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, killing at least 16 people on Sunday night and leaving local officials and families in shock.

The fire broke out at the Werdha Damai facility, where about 30 elderly residents lived, as many were asleep, according to police.

Authorities and rescuers rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised, but by the time firefighters brought the blaze under control, the building had been reduced to rubble. Witnesses and emergency crews are still working to piece together what exactly happened.

Video from local broadcaster Metro TV showed flames and thick smoke engulfing the retirement home while neighbours and volunteers fought to help residents escape.

Manado police chief Irham Halid, as quoted by Reuters, described the aftermath at a news briefing, noting that most of the victims were trapped inside their rooms.

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Officials say the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. While investigations are underway, local authorities are working to support the families of those killed and the survivors who were injured or hospitalised.

Friends, neighbours and relatives gathered near the site on Monday morning, visibly shaken.

(More information to follow)