A devastating fire at a nursing home in Manado, Indonesia, has resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals, with Indonesian police now working to identify the victims and determine the cause of the blaze.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fire broke out at the Panti Werdha Damai nursing home in the Ranomuut Sub-district of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. Authorities confirmed the fire started at 8:36 p.m. local time on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Emergency services responded with three fire engines dispatched by the Manado city government. The firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by approximately 9:30 p.m., about an hour after it began.
Rescue and Identification Efforts
Police swiftly secured the area to assist in rescue operations following initial reports. Survivors were evacuated to nearby medical facilities, including Manado City Regional Hospital and Permata Bunda Hospital.
The bodies of the 16 deceased were transferred to Bhayangkara Hospital of the North Sulawesi Regional Police (Polda Sulut) for formal identification. Alamsyah P. Hasibuan, head of public relations for Polda Sulut, stated the identification process is crucial to establish the victims' full identities before coordinating with their families.
Ongoing Investigation
Police forensic teams have launched a comprehensive investigation into the fire. The probe includes a detailed examination of the crime scene and interviews with witnesses. The primary goals are to establish the sequence of events and determine the preliminary cause of the fire that led to this significant loss of life.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over the community of Manado, highlighting the vulnerabilities in care facilities. The investigation's findings will be critical for preventing similar incidents in the future.
