Türkiye has expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina following a deadly fire that broke out at a nursing home in the city of Tuzla, claiming multiple lives and injuring several others.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the fire that broke out yesterday (Nov. 4) at a nursing home in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” the Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said late Tuesday.

According to local sources and Bosnia’s public broadcaster BHRT, the blaze erupted on the seventh floor of the retirement facility, killing at least 11 elderly residents and injuring several others, including police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel who rushed to the scene.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames after several hours of intense effort. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

The tragic incident has sparked nationwide mourning in Bosnia and prompted messages of solidarity from several countries, including Türkiye, which shares deep historical and cultural ties with the Balkan nation. (ILKHA)