Belgrade, Serbia – A devastating fire broke out in a nursing home in Barajevo, Serbia, early this morning, resulting in the deaths of eight residents and leaving seven others injured.

The blaze, which started around 3:30 a.m., quickly spread through the facility, prompting an urgent response from emergency services.

Authorities confirmed that the fire erupted in a section of the nursing home that houses elderly residents, many of whom have limited mobility.

The facility, which accommodates up to 40 residents, was swiftly evacuated, with emergency teams managing to rescue 13 individuals.

The injured were transported to the VMA Military Medical Academy and the Emergency Center in Belgrade, where they are currently receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.

Luka Čaušić, head of the Department for Emergency Situations, commended the rapid response of firefighters, stating that their swift action prevented an even greater disaster.

“Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes and worked tirelessly to contain the flames. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, we have suffered a tragic loss of life,” Čaušić said.

Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze may have been intentionally started by a resident with mental health issues.

According to sources within the Criminal Police Department, the individual allegedly set fire to a mattress in one of the rooms, which quickly ignited and spread throughout the facility.

This claim remains under investigation, with officials working to confirm the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Serbian Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, Nemanja Starović, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and praised the efforts of emergency responders.

“This is a tragic day for Serbia. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, and we will ensure that a full investigation is conducted to prevent such incidents in the future,” Starović said.

Residents who survived the fire are receiving psychological support, as the incident has left many in shock.

Local authorities have also assured that those displaced by the fire will be temporarily accommodated in nearby care facilities until the nursing home is deemed safe for reoccupation.

Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic and terrifying scene as firefighters battled the flames. “We saw thick smoke coming from the building, and people were screaming for help,” said a local resident who assisted in the evacuation efforts. “The firefighters did an incredible job, but the fire spread so quickly.”

Firefighters have completed their efforts to extinguish the blaze, and officials are now carefully inspecting the premises to rule out any remaining fire hazards.

The government has pledged to provide necessary support to the victims’ families and will implement stricter safety measures in elderly care facilities across the country.

As Serbia mourns this tragic loss, the community in Barajevo remains shaken, awaiting further details from the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have assured that those responsible will be held accountable and that measures will be taken to prevent future tragedies of this nature.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members