Deadly Fire in Tuzla Nursing Home Kills 10, Injures 20 in Bosnia-Herzegovina

A devastating fire broke out at a nursing home in northeastern Bosnia-Herzegovina, claiming the lives of 10 residents and injuring 20 others. The blaze erupted late Tuesday evening on the seventh floor of the Tuzla retirement facility, shortly after 20:45 local time.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, medical staff, and nursing home personnel, rushed to the scene to evacuate residents and provide immediate medical care. Twenty individuals were taken to a medical center for treatment, with some suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, including three patients in critical condition in intensive care.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and authorities have confirmed that a full investigation will be conducted once it is safe to access the site. Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić described the incident as “a disaster of enormous proportions,” highlighting the severity of the tragedy.

Željko Komšić, chairman of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s tripartite presidency, extended condolences to the families of the victims and offered support to those affected by the incident.

Residents of the nursing home recalled the chaotic moments as the fire spread. One resident, Ruza Kajic, who lived on the third floor, said she was woken by a cracking sound and saw burning debris falling from the upper floors. “I ran into the hallway and realized there were bed-ridden people on the upper floors,” she recounted.

Footage from the scene captured flames pouring from the windows of the upper floors as emergency crews worked to contain the fire and evacuate residents. The tragedy underscores ongoing concerns over fire safety in care facilities and the need for robust emergency preparedness to protect vulnerable populations.

The incident in Tuzla is a reminder of the risks faced by elderly and immobile residents in multi-story care facilities and is prompting calls for urgent safety reviews across similar institutions in the region.