(MENAFN) A fire at a nursing home in Tuzla, northeastern Bosnia-Herzegovina, has killed at least 10 people and left 20 others injured, local authorities reported. The blaze erupted on the seventh floor of the retirement facility on Tuesday night, shortly after 20:45 local time (19:45 GMT).

The injured include residents, staff, medical personnel, and first responders, all of whom were sent to a medical center for treatment. Several patients are being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, with three in intensive care.

Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić described the incident as "a disaster of enormous proportions," while the chairman of the tripartite presidency, Željko Komšić, extended condolences to victims’ families and those affected.

Eyewitness accounts from residents highlighted the severity of the fire. One resident, Ruza Kajic, living on the third floor, recounted being woken by a “cracking sound” and seeing burning debris falling from upper floors, where some bed-ridden residents were located.

Footage from the scene showed flames engulfing the upper floors of the building. Authorities have stated that a full investigation into the cause of the fire will begin once conditions are safe.

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