Tragic Fire Claims Eight Lives at Belgrade Nursing Home, Thirteen Rescued

A devastating fire swept through a nursing home in Barajevo, a district on the outskirts of Belgrade, claiming eight lives and leaving seven others injured.

Emergency services rescued 13 residents during the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning.

“Unfortunately, eight people died in the fire. I must salute the rapid response of the security services, who evacuated 13 people. Above all, I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” said Nemanja Starovic, Serbia’s Minister of Labour, Veterans, and Social Affairs, in a statement to local media.

Initial reports from Luka Kausic, head of the emergency sector, had indicated six fatalities. "I can unfortunately confirm that six people died in this institution, which was inhabited by elderly people (...) Thirteen people were rescued,” he told the public broadcaster. However, the death toll was later updated to eight as authorities continued their investigation.

The fire broke out at approximately 3:30 a.m. local time (4:30 GMT) and engulfed parts of the facility, which housed 30 residents. The injured were transported to the Belgrade military hospital for treatment.

Emergency responders worked through the morning to ensure no further outbreaks and to investigate the cause of the blaze. “It is a great tragedy, but it could have been worse,” Kausic said, noting the isolated location of the nursing home but praising the swift arrival of firefighters.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials pledging to provide answers in the coming hours.