Manado Retirement Home Fire Kills 16

A devastating fire broke out at the Werdha Damai retirement home in Indonesia — Manado, Indonesia — Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday evening, December 28. The blaze, which started around 8:30 p.m., quickly engulfed the facility, trapping many elderly residents who were likely resting in their rooms. Alamsyah P. Hasibuan and Jimmy Rotinsulu confirmed that 16 people died, mostly from burns, and three others sustained injuries. Emergency services from Indonesia — Manado responded, evacuating 12 unharmed residents to a local hospital and bringing the fire under control after more than an hour. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause, with early findings suggesting the fire may have originated in the kitchen area. This incident adds to a series of deadly fires in Indonesia, raising concerns about safety regulations.