Tragedy Strikes Manado Nursing Home
A devastating fire at the Werdha Damai retirement home in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia has claimed the lives of 16 elderly residents and left three others seriously injured. The blaze broke out on Sunday evening, December 28, 2025, around 8:30 p.m. local time, while most residents were likely resting in their rooms for the evening.
Firefighters with six trucks battled the inferno for over two hours before bringing it under control. According to North Sulawesi police spokesperson Alamsyah Hasibuan, 'Fifteen victims died from burns while one body remained intact. The bodies have been taken to a hospital for identification with family assistance.'
Rescue Efforts and Survivors
Emergency teams managed to evacuate 12 unharmed residents who were taken to a local hospital for observation. Another 15 survivors received treatment at two hospitals in Manado. The single-storey facility housed approximately 30 elderly residents at the time of the fire.
Local residents played a crucial role in the initial rescue efforts. 'We heard screams and saw smoke coming from the building,' said one neighbor who helped evacuate residents. 'We tried to get as many people out as we could before the firefighters arrived.'
Investigation and Possible Causes
While the exact cause remains under investigation, initial reports from Indonesian media suggest the fire may have started in the kitchen. Police have launched a full investigation into the tragedy. The facility, known as Panti Werdha Damai, was completely gutted by the flames.
This tragedy follows another deadly fire in Jakarta earlier this month that claimed at least 22 lives in an office building, raising serious questions about fire safety standards across Indonesia. According to fire safety experts, Indonesia faces significant challenges with aging infrastructure and sometimes inadequate enforcement of safety regulations.
Broader Context and Safety Concerns
Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi province with a population of approximately 458,000, is known for its Christian-majority population and as one of Indonesia's top tourism priorities. The city is situated on the Bay of Manado and surrounded by mountainous areas.
The recent spate of deadly fires has prompted calls for improved safety measures in care facilities across the archipelago nation of more than 17,000 islands. 'This is a heartbreaking tragedy that highlights the vulnerability of our elderly population,' said a local social services official who requested anonymity. 'We need to ensure that all care facilities meet proper safety standards.'
As families mourn their loved ones and investigators work to determine the exact cause of the fire, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety in residential care facilities, particularly for vulnerable elderly populations.