Fire at Indonesia retirement home kills 16 people, after a deadly blaze swept through a nursing facility in Manado, North Sulawesi, leaving elderly residents trapped inside their rooms overnight.
The fire broke out at the Werdha Damai retirement home on Sunday evening, according to Indonesian authorities, triggering a large-scale emergency response from firefighters and rescue workers.
Police confirmed that 16 people lost their lives in the incident, while three others sustained burn injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Jimmu Rotinsulu, head of the Manado fire and rescue agency, said emergency crews received the first distress call at approximately 8:31pm local time.
“Firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene after reports of flames coming from the retirement home,” Rotinsulu told reporters at the scene on Monday morning.
He said many of the victims were elderly residents who had already retired to their rooms for the night when the fire erupted suddenly.
“Most of the bodies were discovered inside individual rooms,” Rotinsulu said. “It is likely they were resting or sleeping when the fire started.”
Authorities said three residents suffered burn injuries, while 12 others were successfully evacuated from the facility without physical harm during rescue operations.
The injured survivors were transported to a local hospital in Manado, where doctors said they were receiving treatment and remained under close medical observation.
Local television footage broadcast by Metro TV showed thick smoke engulfing the building as flames consumed large sections of the retirement home structure.
Residents from nearby neighborhoods were seen assisting emergency crews, helping elderly occupants escape the burning facility during chaotic evacuation efforts.
One witness, identified as Andi Salasa, described hearing screams from inside the building as smoke quickly spread through corridors.
“It happened very fast,” Salasa said. “People were shouting for help, and smoke was everywhere. We tried to carry the elderly outside.”
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control, according to officials from the Manado fire department.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, but an investigation has been launched to determine how the blaze started.
Police said forensic teams were examining the electrical systems and interior layout of the retirement home as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Indonesia’s national disaster mitigation agency said it would assist local authorities in assessing safety standards at elderly care facilities nationwide.
The tragedy has raised renewed concerns over fire safety regulations at nursing homes across Indonesia, particularly facilities housing vulnerable elderly populations.
Social affairs officials confirmed that the Werdha Damai retirement home was legally registered and operated under provincial supervision.
However, questions remain about emergency preparedness, including alarm systems, evacuation procedures, and fire-resistant building materials.
An official from the Ministry of Social Affairs said inspections would be intensified following the deadly nursing home fire in Sulawesi.
“We must ensure that facilities caring for older citizens meet strict safety requirements,” the official said during a press briefing in Jakarta.
Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, frequently experiences deadly fires linked to electrical faults and aging infrastructure.
Earlier this month, a major fire in Jakarta killed at least 22 people after flames tore through a seven-storey office building.
In 2023, an explosion at a nickel-processing plant in eastern Indonesia claimed at least 12 lives, highlighting persistent industrial safety challenges.
Fire incidents in Indonesia often spread rapidly due to densely populated areas, limited fire exits, and flammable construction materials.
Experts say elderly residents face higher risks during fires due to mobility limitations, health conditions, and slower response times.
Human rights groups have urged the government to prioritize elderly care safety following the Manado retirement home tragedy.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how vulnerable older people are during emergencies,” said Nur Aisyah, a social welfare advocate.
Families of victims gathered outside the retirement home on Monday, many visibly emotional as authorities worked to identify those who died.
Officials said formal identification procedures were ongoing, and families would receive counseling and support services from local authorities.
Manado Mayor Andrei Angouw expressed condolences to families and pledged full cooperation with investigators examining the deadly fire.
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“We mourn the loss of our elderly citizens,” Angouw said. “The city will take responsibility and ensure accountability.”
President Joko Widodo was briefed on the incident, according to a statement from the presidential palace issued late Monday.
The statement said the president instructed ministries to review fire safety measures at all state-registered retirement and nursing homes.
As investigations continue, authorities have sealed off the Werdha Damai retirement home pending safety assessments and forensic examinations.
Survivors have been temporarily relocated to alternative care facilities while officials determine whether the building can be repaired.
The deadly fire adds to a growing list of disasters that have exposed infrastructure weaknesses and emergency response gaps in Indonesia.
For many Indonesians, the Manado tragedy has sparked nationwide mourning and renewed calls for stronger protections for elderly citizens.
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