Indonesia Retirement Home Fire in Manado Leaves 16 Dead, Officials Probe Cause

A deadly blaze at a retirement home in Manado has left 16 people dead. The fire broke out late Sunday at the Werdha Damai facility in North Sulawesi. Local police confirmed the deaths on Monday. Many of the victims were elderly and could not escape in time.

Authorities said the fire was put out after several hours. Police and fire teams are now looking into what sparked the flames. According to Reuters and the state agency Antara, several survivors were pulled out by local residents who rushed in to help.

Manado Fire Investigation Begins After Heavy Loss of Life

The fire moved fast through the retirement home. Many residents were trapped inside the building. Officials said three people also suffered burns but survived. Each victim was found in different rooms, which shows how quickly the smoke spread.

According to Metro TV footage, flames lit up the sky above the home. People nearby tried to break windows and doors to reach those inside. Fire chief Jimmy Rotinsulu said most residents were unable to move on their own. This made rescue efforts hard and dangerous.

Police said they are checking electrical systems and other possible sources of ignition. They also plan to review the building’s safety standards. This includes alarms, exit paths, and emergency training for staff. Officials said they want to prevent another tragedy like this.

How the Manado Retirement Home Fire Affects Safety Plans

The fire has raised fears about safety in care homes across Indonesia. Many families depend on these homes to watch over elderly relatives. Now they want clear answers about what went wrong. Experts say many older buildings need urgent safety checks.

The incident also highlights the limits of local fire services. Fire crews reached the home, but the flames were already strong. Some parts of the building collapsed during the response. This slowed evacuation efforts and added more danger for rescuers.

According to Reuters, investigators will release more details once the review is complete. Local leaders say they want to improve fire safety rules. They hope stronger inspections will help protect vulnerable seniors in long-term care homes.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: What caused the Indonesia retirement home fire?

Officials have not confirmed the cause yet. Police are checking electrical lines and other possible triggers. A full report will come after the investigation.

Q2: How many people died in the Manado fire?

Police confirmed that 16 people died in the fire. Most victims were elderly residents who could not escape.

Q3: Where did the fire happen?

The fire broke out at the Werdha Damai retirement home in Manado, North Sulawesi. It started late Sunday and burned for several hours.

Q4: Were any survivors rescued?

Yes. Local residents helped pull survivors from the building before fire crews arrived. Three people also survived with burn injuries.

Q5: What happens next in the investigation?

Police and fire teams will inspect the site and review safety rules. They will check equipment, alarms, and escape routes in the home.