A major fire broke out early on Monday at a senior care facility on the outskirts of Belgrade, Serbia, killing at least eight people and injuring seven others.
The blaze, which authorities suspect was intentionally set, occurred around 3:30 a.m. at a home for elderly people in Barajevo, a municipality located on the southern edge of the Serbian capital.
According to state broadcaster RTS, emergency services responded quickly to the scene, but the fire had already spread rapidly, claiming multiple lives.
Newsweek contacted Luka Causic, a government official at Serbia's emergency sector, for comment via email on Monday.
Why It Matters
The state prosecutor's office is currently leading an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Was the Fire in a Nursing Home in Serbia Arson?
Early reports suggest that arson is suspected, and officials indicated that one of the residents who died in the fire may have started it.
Serbia has been shaken by the event, which highlights the vulnerability of care homes, particularly in rural areas where access to emergency services and resources may be limited.
What To Know
Police confirmed that 30 people were inside the facility when the fire broke out. Authorities say the fire engulfed more than a third of the care home, a building situated in a rural area far from the city center.
The fire's destructive force sent at least seven people to hospitals in Belgrade, where they were treated for various injuries.
What Measures Will Serbia Take To Prevent Fires in the Future?
According to RTS, one of the injured is in serious condition. The facility's remote location made it more difficult for emergency responders to control the flames, which spread quickly and overwhelmed the house-like structure.
What People Are Saying
Serbian Social Care Minister Nemanja Starovic expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating; "Emergency crews reacted swiftly … but unfortunately the fire had already flared up and eight people lost their lives."
Luka Causic, an emergency sector officer who was on the scene, remarked on the sheer scale of the disaster, saying: "This is a huge tragedy, but it could have been even worse."
What Happens Next
In the aftermath, communities and family members of those affected are grappling with the immense loss, while questions remain about the safety protocols and preparedness of such facilities.
The country's authorities are continuing to investigate the fire, with a focus on determining whether the suspected arson was a deliberate act or an accidental spark.
The Serbian government has vowed to ensure that care homes are better equipped to handle such disasters in the future.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
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