A devastating fire broke out early Wednesday morning at a nursing home in Tuzla, resulting in the deaths of 12 residents, most of whom succumbed to burns and carbon monoxide poisoning, local media reported.
According to KosovaPress, 35 other residents required medical assistance, while four individuals remain in serious condition, all placed on mechanical ventilation. Despite doctors’ efforts, one of the severely injured patients later died from his injuries.
Tuzla Mayor Zijad Lugavić announced that a full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire, emphasizing that those responsible for this tragedy will face consequences.
Nermin Nikšić, Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, confirmed that the building had previously been flagged as unsafe from a fire safety standpoint.
“We have received information that will be clarified during the investigation. The professional firefighting brigade had previously identified this facility as potentially dangerous and conducted training sessions and risk assessments,” Nikšić said.
In response to the incident, Mirsad Bakalović, the director of the nursing home, has resigned.
The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced that it will take responsibility for providing accommodation to the remaining residents displaced by the fire.
This tragedy has sparked a nationwide discussion on fire safety standards and the urgent need for oversight of elderly care facilities in the country.
