A devastating fire broke out overnight in a retirement home located in Milan, resulting in the loss of six lives and causing injuries to approximately 80 individuals, three of whom are in critical condition, as confirmed by Italian authorities on Friday. The fire originated in a room on the first floor of the facility and was swiftly extinguished, preventing its spread to other parts of the building. However, the incident emitted a significant amount of toxic fumes.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, addressing reporters at the scene, revealed that two residents tragically perished in their room due to burns, while four others succumbed to toxic inhalation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, although firefighters’ spokesman Luca Cari mentioned that it is likely to have been accidental.
The fire erupted at the “Home of the Spouses” residential facility in Milan’s southeastern Corvetto neighborhood shortly after 1 a.m. (2300 GMT). Prompt action by the firefighters led to the successful evacuation of approximately 80 individuals, including several who were wheelchair-bound. Another 80 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, as detailed by Nicola Miceli, the local firefighters’ chief, during an interview with RAI public television. He described the rescue operations as immensely challenging due to the heavy smoke, which severely limited visibility, and the fact that many residents required assistance to stand.
Witnessing the tragedy unfold, Lucia, a local resident, recounted how she observed some of the residents struggling to breathe at their windows, employing makeshift masks in an attempt to shield themselves from the hazardous fumes.
