Shame and Tragedy at Barajevo Elderly Home: 11 Dead Due to Negligence and Corruption!
Can you believe that in the 21st century, in a country proud of its traditions and care for the elderly, a tragedy that chills the blood could happen? At the “Ivanović” elderly care home in Veliki Borak, Barajevo, a fire broke out on January 20th, claiming the lives of 11 residents! Yes, 11 people died because those responsible for their care utterly failed.
Who is to blame?
The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade has indicted three responsible persons of the home: director Gorica I., and Aleksandar I. and Miloš I., who effectively managed the home. They are charged with a serious crime against public safety for failing to install legally required fire protection devices, not following technical safety regulations, and not ensuring the presence of qualified staff during night shifts, which is a legal obligation.
To make matters worse, at the time of the fire, only Miloš I. was present, who was not a professional worker nor trained in fire safety measures. The fire started in an attic room due to contact with a hot object – a cigarette ember or lighter flame – igniting flammable material. There was no fire extinguishing equipment in the building.
The consequences?
Due to carbon monoxide poisoning and severe burns, 11 residents died: M.D., R.P., V.Ž., Z.S., N.I., L.B., Ž.S., Đ.I., V.S., M.F., and M.M. This is not just a tragedy for the families but for the entire community that allowed this to happen.
Corruption and abuse of power
The investigation revealed that four employees in labor, employment, and veteran social services enabled the home to operate despite not meeting legal requirements. The home collected at least one million dinars from residents, and the accused face charges of abuse of official position and negligent work in service.
Punishments and measures
The prosecution has proposed extending the detention of the accused to prevent reoffending and banning them from working in social protection institutions for 10 years. They are also proposed to be obliged to pay all legal costs.
Why did this happen?
The law protecting the population from exposure to tobacco smoke was not followed – smoking was allowed inside the home, increasing fire risk. Also, residents’ rights were not respected, and behavioral rules were not clearly defined or enforced.
What can we learn?
This tragedy is a wake-up call for all of us. We must not allow such things to happen again. Stricter control, accountability, and transparency in social care institutions are needed. Elderly people deserve a dignified and safe life, not to be victims of negligence and corruption.
Will justice be served?
The trial is ongoing, and the public is closely watching every step. But will the punishments be harsh enough to prevent new tragedies? Or will we wait for another disaster to react?
Conclusion
The Barajevo elderly home is not just a place where people lost their lives – it is a symbol of systemic failure, neglect, and corruption. If we want to prevent such tragedies, we must demand responsibility and change together.
What do you think about this tragedy? Is this just the tip of the iceberg of problems in our social institutions? Share your thoughts – maybe your voice can spark change!
