A devastating fire at a care home for the elderly on the outskirts of Belgrade claimed the lives of eight people early on Monday morning, with seven others injured.
The blaze broke out at approximately 3:30 a.m. in the Barajevo municipality, located on the southern edge of the Serbian capital.
State broadcaster RTS reported that 30 residents were present in the home at the time of the fire. Emergency sector officer Luka Causic described the incident as a “huge tragedy” but noted that the loss could have been even greater.
The injured residents were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, although the extent of their injuries remains unknown.
Nemanja Starovic, Serbia’s social care minister, stated that preliminary investigations indicate the fire may have been caused by arson. However, police have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or its suspected cause.
