At least 11 individuals lost their lives in a tragic fire at retirement home apartments, with witnesses describing the horror of flames engulfing the upper levels of the building.
The blaze started on the seventh floor of the structure located in Tuzla, Bosnia, around 8:45 pm yesterday, resulting in over 30 people sustaining injuries.
Nermin Niksic, the Prime Minister of Bosnia’s Muslim-Croat region, characterized the fire as a “catastrophe of immense proportions.”
Video footage captured flames emanating from the upper floors of the building. Authorities plan to begin identifying the victims later today and will launch an investigation into the fire’s cause once conditions permit, as per the police.
A resident named Ruza Kajic, residing on the third floor, recounted being awakened by a “cracking sound.” She witnessed burning debris falling from above and rushed to the hallway, expressing concern for the bedridden individuals on the higher floors.
In a statement, the retirement home affirmed that authorities are actively working to uncover the circumstances behind the tragic incident.
Reports from local media revealed that several patients were receiving treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning, with three individuals in critical condition at the Tuzla University clinical center.
Expressing solidarity, Savo Minic, the Prime Minister of the Serb Republic, stated, “We share in the sorrow and are prepared to offer assistance.”
This ongoing situation is a developing news story. Stay updated by following us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook, or by visiting The Mirror homepage.