Investigators inspect the scene at the ‘Dom Penzionera’ nursing home in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 05 November 2025. Photo: EPA/NIDAL SALJIC.
The Prosecutor’s Office in Bosnia’s Tuzla Canton has launched an investigation against two senior officials of the Tuzla Retirement Home on Tuesday, suspected of grave failures that preceded a fire in which 17 residents died and more than 30 people were injured.
The investigation targets Mirsad Bakalovic, the home’s former director, and Zinaida Razic-Halilovic, a member of the management board. Both were arrested on Tuesday and questioned by police, prosecutors said.
According to the prosecution, Bakalovic and Razic-Halilovic are suspected of acting as accomplices in serious crimes against public safety, in connection with causing general danger. Bakalovic is also under investigation for prolonged abuse of office or authority.
Prosecutors allege that between February 2024 and November 4, 2025, the two knowingly failed to implement legally required fire-protection and general safety measures, despite being aware that the retirement home was categorised as a high-risk facility.
At the time of the incident, the home housed around 180 elderly residents, including 110 people who were seriously ill, immobile or living with disabilities.
The investigation indicates that the suspects failed to provide an adequate number of medical staff, caregivers and other personnel during night shifts. Prosecutors say staffing levels were insufficient to ensure even basic safety, supervision and evacuation, particularly in emergency situations such as fires.
Bakalovic is further suspected of failing to introduce mandatory safety measures, resulting in the absence of an effective early fire-warning system, inadequate smoke extraction and evacuation conditions, and a lack of oversight regarding the use of electrical devices. He is also accused of not organising residents’ accommodation in line with their mobility and health needs.
“These omissions directly endangered the safety of a large number of people,” the Tuzla Canton Prosecutor’s Office said.
When a fire broke out in the room of one resident on November 4, it spread rapidly through the building. Prosecutors say several residents died because they were physically unable to protect themselves or evacuate independently. More than 30 people suffered injuries.
Bakalovic is also accused of abusing his position by employing and assigning two workers to fire-protection and night-reception duties without the legally required qualifications, further compromising safety standards.
After police processing, both suspects will be transferred to the prosecutor’s office, which will decide on further measures. Prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of additional suspects being identified in connection with the fatal fire.