Bosnia and Herzegovina Elderly Home Fire (2025)

The Tuzla Elderly Care Home Fire was a fire that occurred on 4 November 2025 at an elderly care facility in the city of Tuzla in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to 40 others.

Fire at the care home in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 5 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Origin and Progression of the Fire

The fire began on the evening of Tuesday 4 November 2025 at approximately 20:45 local time (19:45 GMT) on the seventh floor of a public elderly care home in Tuzla. The initial flames rose from the upper-floor windows and quickly engulfed the upper levels of the building.

According to information reported by Federalna TV, the fire was brought under control within one hour. However, at the time of the incident, the building housed a large number of bedridden and severely ill elderly residents. The fire completely affected the seventh floor of the nine-storey building. Authorities from the Tuzla Police Directorate stated that the cause of the fire had not yet been determined and that technical investigations were ongoing at the scene.

Casualties and Injuries

Local police officials initially reported that ten people had died at the scene, later revising the death toll to 13. Approximately 40 people were injured, including residents of the care home as well as firefighters, police officers and medical personnel.

Ersija Ascerić Mujedinović, spokesperson for the Tuzla University Clinical Centre, stated that many patients had been treated on suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Adnana Sprecić, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior of the Tuzla Canton, noted that four of those admitted to hospital were on mechanical ventilation, and that five firefighters and three police officers were among the injured. At least three people were in critical condition.

Fire at the care home in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 5 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Scene and Investigation Process

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The investigation, led by the Criminal Police Sector and the Fire Protection Inspection Directorate under the Tuzla Canton Ministry of Interior, included expert witnesses. Security camera footage from the scene has been reviewed, and forensic investigations commenced in the early morning hours.

Admir Arnautović, spokesperson for the Tuzla Canton Prosecutor’s Office, announced that identification procedures and autopsy orders for the deceased would be completed by Wednesday 5 November 2025. Authorities also stated that a detailed technical examination into the fire’s origin would be conducted when conditions permit.

Characteristics and Management of the Care Home

The care home in question in Tuzla has been operational since 1980. The institution provides accommodation, meals and healthcare services for the elderly. It also operates a separate section offering hotel-style services. The facility accommodates approximately 200 residents and is funded through both public funds and contributions from residents.

The institution operates under the authority of the Tuzla Canton Ministry of Labour, Social Policy and Reintegration. Following the fire, the director of the facility, Mirsad Bakalović, resigned on the morning of 5 November 2025.

Official Reactions and Public Statements

Bosnia and Herzegovina Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić described the incident as “a disaster of major proportions.” Željko Komšić, President of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and to the injured.

The Government of Republika Srpska offered support to Tuzla, with Prime Minister Savo Minić posting on the social media platform X: “We share your grief and are always ready to help.”