Fire at Indonesia Retirement Home Kills 16

At least 16 people were killed after a fire broke out at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, according to a local police official. The incident was reported by state news agency Antara on Monday, December 29, 2025.

The fire broke out at the Werdha Damai retirement home on Sunday, December 28. The blaze spread quickly through the building, trapping several elderly residents inside. Firefighters rushed to the spot and worked for several hours before finally bringing the fire under control late on Sunday night.

Police official Alamsyah P. Hasibuan said that rescue teams searched the building after the fire was put out and later confirmed the deaths of 16 people. Several others were rescued, though some suffered injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Officials said they are checking safety measures at the retirement home and whether proper fire prevention systems were in place. The tragic incident has raised concerns about fire safety in care homes across the region.