Trenta y Tres, July 8, 2024 – A devastating fire at a nursing home in Uruguay has claimed the lives of 10 senior citizens. The country's home minister confirmed the tragic incident, which was reported by German media outlet Deutsche Welle on Monday.

The fire broke out in a small hospital in the city of Trenta y Tres, approximately 290 kilometers from the nation's capital. The facility, consisting of six houses, primarily served elderly residents.

According to the interior minister's statement, the fire led to significant smoke inhalation, which resulted in the deaths of the 10 senior citizens. Their bodies have been recovered from the scene. The victims were unable to escape the rapid spread of smoke that filled the building.

A 20-year-old man who worked at the nursing home managed to escape the blaze and survive. He was the only person present in the facility at the time of the fire who survived the incident.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Local authorities are working to determine how the fire started and what measures can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.