Indonesia fire kills 16 people in retirement home

File Photo

A fire at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia's on Sulawesi island has killed 16 people, a local police official was quoted as saying on Monday by state news agency Antara.

The fire at the Werdha Damai retirement home was extinguished late on Sunday and authorities are still investigating its cause, police official Alamsyah P. Hasibuan said.

Footage by news channel Metro TV showed the fire blazing through the home, turning the night sky orange, with residents appearing to help one elderly person escape from the burning building.

Jimmy Rotinsulu, chief of Manado's fire department, told Metro TV that the home's residents, most of whom were elderly, were trapped inside the building, adding that another three people suffered burns.

More from International news

News

  • UAE launches annual award to honour changemakers

    The UAE Year Of Award has been launched to honour individuals and institutions who create meaningful impact and strengthen a culture of community action to make each annual "UAE Year Of" theme into a lasting national legacy.

  • UAE welcomes Gaza agreement for Hamas disarmament

    The UAE has welcomed an agreement announced by US President Donald Trump for Hamas to disarm and Israeli troops to withdraw in Gaza, calling it a significant milestone towards ending the conflict.

  • Sheikh Abdullah meets UK Foreign Secretary in London

    Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and boost cooperation across key sectors during talks with UK Foreign Secretary in London.