At least 16 people were killed and three others injured after a fire broke out at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island, local media reported on Monday. The blaze erupted late Sunday night and rapidly spread through large parts of the facility in North Sulawesi province, where about 32 elderly residents were living.
Firefighters said the flames spread quickly, forcing emergency crews to prioritize containing the fire and preventing it from reaching nearby densely populated neighborhoods. The fire was brought under control after approximately one hour, according to authorities.
Three residents sustained severe burns and were transported to hospital for treatment. Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, with preliminary information indicating it may have started in the kitchen area.
