Mon Jan 20 18:29:53 UTC 2025: ## Eight Dead in Serbian Nursing Home Fire; Arson Suspected
**BELGRADE, Serbia (January 21, 2025)** — A devastating fire at a nursing home in Barajevo, a village outside Belgrade, Serbia, claimed the lives of eight elderly residents early Monday morning. Seven others sustained injuries in the blaze, which broke out around 3:30 a.m.
According to Serbian Social Care Minister Nemanja Starovic, emergency services responded swiftly, but the fire had already spread significantly, resulting in the tragic loss of life. The fire engulfed over a third of the care facility, which housed 30 residents at the time.
Police have launched an investigation and suspect arson as the cause. Initial findings suggest that one of the deceased residents may have started the fire, though the state prosecutor’s office is continuing its inquiry. The injured were transported to Belgrade hospitals, with at least one individual listed in serious condition.
While emergency services personnel expressed relief that the casualties weren’t higher, the incident is being described as a “huge tragedy” by officials. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
First Piper 