A heartbreaking fire tore through a retirement home in Manado on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island on Sunday night, leaving at least 16 elderly residents dead and shaking families and the local community.
The fire struck the Werdha Damai facility, home to about 30 seniors, many of whom were asleep when the flames spread. Police said the victims were mostly trapped inside their rooms, unable to escape.
Neighbours and Volunteers Rush to Help
As thick smoke and towering flames engulfed the building, neighbours and volunteers rushed in to help, trying to pull residents to safety. Video footage from local broadcaster Metro TV captured the desperate scenes, showing the community’s frantic efforts amid the chaos.
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Officials Struggle to Understand the Disaster
Manado police chief Irham Halid, speaking to Reuters, described the aftermath as “devastating,” noting that most of the victims were caught inside their rooms. “It is a tragedy that has left everyone here shocked and heartbroken,” he said.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Authorities continue to investigate while also supporting the families of the victims and the survivors who were hospitalized.
Community in Mourning
On Monday, friends, relatives, and neighbours gathered near the burned site, visibly shaken and grieving. The tragedy has left a deep mark on the local community, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly residents and the suddenness with which disasters can strike.
