SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) – The tragic fire that erupted in a retirement facility in Tuzla on November 5, 2025, has claimed 13 lives. Despite the immediate response to the fire, two more victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital, according to medical officials on Friday.

The fire started on Tuesday evening, specifically on the seventh floor of the boarding house designated for retirees in the northeastern town of Tuzla. In the chaos that ensued, many residents attempted to flee, leading to a panicked evacuation. Initially, eleven individuals lost their lives on the day of the incident due to suffocation resulting from smoke inhalation.

As the current reports indicate, there are still thirteen individuals hospitalized with various degrees of injuries related to the fire. Medical staff at Tuzla hospital are providing ongoing care, with hopes of further improvements in their conditions. In the wake of this disaster, an investigation has been launched to uncover the causes behind the flames and evaluate potential safety breaches.

Local Bosnian media have highlighted that the higher floors of the facility were occupied by elderly residents who were either unable to move independently or were already suffering from significant health issues. This demographic made the evacuation process extraordinarily challenging, compounding the tragedy of the situation. In light of the unfortunate events, the manager of the retirement complex has submitted their resignation, raising questions about the operational standards and safety measures in place within the facility.

The ramifications of this incident resonate deeply throughout the community in Tuzla, where concerns regarding the safety and well-being of elderly residents in similar facilities are coming to the forefront. Families are now demanding answers and accountability, hoping that the investigation will yield insights that can prevent future tragedies of this nature from occurring.

The impact of the fire extends beyond the immediate loss of life, shaking the confidence of the local population in the safety measures implemented in care facilities for the elderly. As the investigation unfolds, many await the findings that could lead to legislative or regulatory changes aimed at enhancing the safety protocols in such establishments, ensuring a safer environment for its vulnerable residents.