BELGRADE, Serbia – A tragic incident occurred on Monday when a fire at an elderly care facility near Belgrade claimed the lives of eight individuals, with authorities suspecting that the blaze may have been intentionally set by a resident.

The fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. in Barajevo, a district situated on the southern outskirts of the Serbian capital. Reports indicate that seven additional people were injured in the incident, which was covered by state RTS television.

Serbia’s Minister of Social Care, Nemanja Starovic, stated, “Emergency crews responded quickly, but sadly, the fire had already intensified, resulting in the loss of eight lives.” According to police reports, there were 30 residents in the facility at the time the fire ignited, and it ultimately consumed more than a third of the building in the rural locale.

Initial investigations pointed to arson as a likely cause. The state prosecutor’s office confirmed that inquiries are ongoing and initial findings suggest that one of the deceased residents may have been responsible for starting the fire.

The injured victims were transported to two different hospitals in Belgrade, with at least one person reported to be in serious condition. Emergency sector officer Luka Causic commented on the situation, stating, “This is an immense tragedy, but it could have been even worse.”