Jakarta [Indonesia], December 29 (ANI): At least 16 people were killed in a fire that broke out at a nursing home in Manado, the capital of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, on Sunday, Xinhua reported, citing Indonesian authorities.
According to the report, the victim identification process is currently underway at Bhayangkara Hospital, where the bodies were taken following the incident, before authorities coordinate with the victims’ families. The information was confirmed by Alamsyah P. Hasibuan, head of public relations of the North Sulawesi Regional Police.
The fire erupted at around 8:36 p.m. local time at the Panti Werdha Damai nursing home in the Ranomuut Sub-district of Paal Dua District in Manado. The blaze was brought under control by 9:30 p.m. after three fire engines dispatched by the Manado city government arrived at the scene.
Police officials secured the area and assisted in rescue operations. Survivors were taken to Manado City Regional Hospital and Permata Bunda Hospital, while the deceased were transferred for further handling.
Forensic teams have launched an investigation, including a crime scene examination and witness interviews, to determine the sequence of events and establish the preliminary cause of the fire. Further details are awaited.
Earlier this month, at least five people were killed in a residential fire in Jakarta. According to Xinhua, the fire broke out at around 8:10 p.m. local time on December 18 and was brought under control by 11:00 p.m. after 10 fire engines were deployed. The victims were discovered the following morning. Authorities said the house also functioned as an accessories production warehouse, and preliminary investigations indicated that an electrical short circuit was the likely cause.
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