Tragic Blaze Claims Lives of 15 Elderly Residents
A devastating fire at a retirement facility in Bosnia has claimed the lives of fifteen elderly residents, with authorities confirming that an overburdened power cable caused the deadly blaze. The tragic incident occurred on November 4 in the northeastern town of Tuzla, sparking widespread public outrage and demands for accountability.
Investigation Uncovers Electrical Fault
According to the official investigation findings released on Friday 14 November 2025, the fire originated from a power cable connected to a radio belonging to one of the residents. The cable had become trapped between the resident's bed and the wall, creating conditions that led to a short circuit and subsequent ignition.
The blaze erupted on the seventh floor of the retirees' boarding house, immediately claiming eleven lives and leaving thirty people injured. Medical staff at Tuzla hospital confirmed that the death toll had risen to fifteen after four additional patients succumbed to their injuries in the days following the incident.
Growing Public Anger and Resignation
Bosnian media reports have highlighted that the upper floors of the complex housed elderly residents with limited mobility and significant health conditions, raising serious questions about safety protocols and emergency preparedness. The facility's manager has since resigned from their position amid mounting public criticism.
Authorities have pledged to continue their investigation to determine whether neglect or oversight contributed to the tragedy. The promise of further scrutiny comes as families of victims and community members demand answers about how such a preventable electrical fault could have caused such catastrophic loss of life in a care setting.
