Six elderly individuals died early Saturday following a fire at the Bom Samaritano care home of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Mirandela.
The institution’s provider, Adérito Gomes, expressed that the fire likely started from a “pressure-relief mattress” in a room with three residents who did not survive. Three others succumbed to smoke inhalation and respiratory issues.
GNR Commander Luís Carlos Soares, speaking to RTP3, reported “five severe injuries and 20 minor injuries.”
Efforts are underway to “relocate the elderly into residential structures within the county” and evacuations to regional hospitals are ongoing, he added.
Addressing possible causes, Soares indicated current explanations are “preliminary,” stating, “The fire has been brief, and this operation has been brief, so any explanation now would be very premature. We are in the resolution phase of the entire situation.”
He noted Bom Samaritano is “one of the largest operating in the county,” housing around 90 residents, and emphasized efforts to “find solutions to ensure comfort for the elderly.”
“The fire is presumed to have started within the residential structure, possibly inside one of the rooms. We are still in the assessment phase,” he stated.
Regarding the injured, Soares mentioned they are “being distributed among the three district hospitals.” “The Hospital of Mirandela, which received the most casualties, the Hospital of Macedo de Cavaleiros, where about three victims have been transferred, and also a significant number to the Hospital of Bragança.”
He assured that “all minor injuries have been evaluated and received necessary medical care on site.” The National Institute for Medical Emergency (INEM) provided crucial medical support. “We must ensure the continuation of care in the coming hours, particularly for those requiring oxygen support,” he emphasized.
Psychological support has also been requested for both victims and their families, he added.
The fire broke out at around 5 a.m., with three on-duty staff members raising the alarm.
According to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC), 66 personnel supported by 33 vehicles are currently at the scene.
