Fire at elderly care center in Amman claims six lives, injures 60
A fire broke out on the first floor of a private elderly care center, the White Beds Society, which houses 111 residents.
The incident resulted in six fatalities, five critical injuries, and 55 moderate injuries. The blaze engulfed an 80-square-meter area of the facility.
Forensics completes autopsies of six victims
The National Center for Forensic Medicine’s medical committee concluded autopsies on Friday for the six women who died in the fire at the White Beds Society Care Home for Seniors in Amman.
A source told Roya that the victims, aged between 65 and 80, died from smoke inhalation. None of the bodies showed signs of burns.
The source confirmed that DNA samples were collected from all six victims to verify their identities. Of the six, one has been identified, while the other five remain unidentified.
"We are awaiting the official DNA results to facilitate handing over the remains to their families for proper burial," the source added.
The forensic committee, acting on judicial orders, performed examinations to confirm the victims’ identities after doubts arose about the initial identification of one body.
Relatives from the second and third degrees of kinship were involved in identifying the deceased, but none were immediate family members or frequent visitors to the victims during their stay at the care home.
The source emphasized that, in cases involving fatalities from incidents, identification should ideally be done by a first-degree relative. If unavailable, relatives from the second or third degrees are asked to assist.
"No body is released until its identity is conclusively verified through the established procedures," the source stated.
VIDEO – Elderly man under investigation for starting care home fire that killed six
A 64-year-old resident of the White Beds Society Care Home for Seniors in Amman is under investigation for starting the fire that claimed the lives of six women and left 60 others injured – a source told Roya.
The source revealed new details, stating that the man ignited a blanket placed on a couch, which led to a fire that quickly spread throughout the first-floor rooms.
The man, a long-time resident of the care home’s senior wing, was apprehended by police and is undergoing questioning before being referred to the public prosecutor. Initial reports suggest he has no documented history of mental illness, according to the source.
The care facility is divided into two sections: one for seniors and another for patients with mental health conditions. Despite his placement in the senior wing, the prosecutor has directed investigators to verify the man's psychological and mental health history. This includes checking if he had previously sought treatment at psychiatric clinics or health centers and obtaining any relevant medical reports.
Authorities are also questioning staff and management at the care home to determine if negligence or oversight contributed to the incident.
Investigators, with oversight from public prosecutors, have seized CCTV footage and conducted forensic examinations at the scene. Experts from the criminal labs are assisting in the inquiry.
The Chief Prosecutor, Yusuf Dneibat, has assigned Amman's Deputy Prosecutor to form a three-member investigative team to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Twenty-three discharged from hospital after treatment
The Ministry of Social Development announced that 23 individuals injured in the fire have been discharged from the hospital after receiving necessary medical care. Their release was based on evaluations by medical staff at Al-Bashir Hospital.
In a statement issued Friday, the ministry confirmed that those discharged were transferred to the Wadi Al-Shita Elderly Care Center, the Humanitarian Care Home, and Al-Zahraa Home. The ministry ensured all necessary services and needs were provided for the individuals.
The statement added that 37 people remain hospitalized and are still receiving treatment, with several expected to be discharged later in the day.
Joint team investigates deadly fire at White Beds Society for Elderly
A source close to the investigation stated that the forensic committee will work on identifying five bodies, while one has already been identified. Additionally, a medical committee, in the presence of the prosecutor, will conduct autopsies on all six bodies to determine the cause of death.
The source also mentioned that the prosecutor, in coordination with the Public Security Directorate, is conducting a full inspection of the care center.
Public Prosecutor orders investigation into fire at White Beds Society
Public Prosecutor Youssef Dhiabat, has tasked Attorney General Hassan Al-Abdallat with forming an investigation committee, consisting of three public prosecutors, to uncover the circumstances surrounding the fire at the White Beds Society, which resulted in six deaths and 60 injuries.
Dhiabat stated that the prosecutors have started investigating the incident by questioning witnesses from the center, and procedures such as reviewing surveillance footage will be conducted to clarify the details of the event.
From the Prime Minister's visit
Investigation points to resident’s involvement
Initial investigations indicate the fire was caused by one of the center's elderly residents. The fire suppression system had recently been inspected and was functional.
Security forces are continuing their investigation before presenting findings to judicial authorities.
Heroic 8-minute response to fire at elderly care center saves dozens
Arriving within eight minutes, 32 ambulances, fire trucks, and specialized units managed to extinguish the fire, prevent its spread beyond the ground floor, and evacuate all 111 residents.
The blaze resulted in six fatalities, attributed to smoke inhalation, while 60 others were rescued and transported to hospitals for treatment. Remaining residents were relocated to alternative shelters by the Ministry of Social Development.
Minister confirms safe evacuation and ongoing investigations
Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa confirmed that all residents were evacuated to other centers, and the injured were transported to government hospitals for necessary treatment.
She assured that all evacuated residents are safe and announced that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
Prime Minister visits injured at Al-Bashir Hospital
Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan visited the injured victims at Al-Bashir Hospital to assess their conditions. He emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive medical care and directed authorities to ensure all necessary support and treatment for those affected.
The Prime Minister also ordered a full investigation into the incident and directed authorities to provide all necessary medical and housing support to the affected residents and to follow up on their well-being.
