Indonesia Manado Nursing Home Fire (December 2025)

On 28 December 2025, a fatal fire broke out at a care home in the city of Manado, located in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia on the island of Sulawesi. According to official statements, at least 16 people lost their lives in the incident. The fact that the fire occurred in a facility housing elderly residents has generated widespread public reaction in Indonesia.

Location of the Incident

The fire occurred at Werdha Damai, a care home in Manado that provides accommodation and care services for elderly individuals. The facility is used as a permanent residence for elderly residents. At the time of the incident, it was reported that a large number of people receiving care services were present in the building.

Origin and Spread of the Fire

The fire is reported to have started during nighttime hours, when most of the residents were in their rooms. The flames rapidly spread to a large portion of the building, generating dense smoke that severely hampered evacuation efforts. The rapid spread of the fire prevented a significant number of people inside from escaping in time.

Casualties and Affected Individuals

Official authorities have confirmed that 16 people died as a result of the fire. All those who lost their lives were reported to be elderly residents of the care home. Some sources indicate that several survivors sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals for treatment.

Emergency Response and Rescue Operations

Following the report of the fire, fire brigades, medical personnel, and security units were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and conducted search and rescue operations to extract individuals still trapped inside the building. It was reported that some local residents in the vicinity also assisted in the rescue efforts. After the fire was extinguished, security measures were implemented around the building.

Official Statements

Local authorities confirmed the number of fatalities and announced the initiation of an investigation into the cause of the fire. Officials from the North Sulawesi province and police units stated that technical and forensic investigations were underway to determine the origin of the fire. It was also noted that administrative procedures were initiated to support the families of the victims.

Investigation Process

The definitive cause of the fire has not been officially disclosed since the incident. Initial assessments focused on the possibility that the fire originated from an electrical fault, but it was emphasized that this would be clarified upon completion of the investigation. Police and relevant agencies conducted a thorough examination of the scene, including an assessment of the building’s technical infrastructure and safety conditions.