Nikšić with delegation of the FBiH Government in Tuzla: Investigation will determine whether this tragedy could have been prevented

(Patria) - Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nermin Nikšić, together with federal ministers Ramo Isak and Vedran Lakić, former mayor of Tuzla and federal representative Jasmin Imamović, arrived in Tuzla after the tragedy in which 12 residents of this institution lost their lives.

The FBiH Prime Minister said today that he heard that the building of the Retirement Home was identified as potentially dangerous, and thanks to the drills held there and the energy of the firefighters, a tragedy of greater proportions was averted.

"Had it not been for the swift reaction of all services, this could have been a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. The FBiH Government will monitor the situation. We are ready to allocate part of the funds for remediation. As for accommodation, we are here, either financially or by relocation, because we also manage a hotel in Sarajevo, we could house them there, at least temporarily until the Retirement Home is restored.

That building is public property, not private ownership. This should be used and, through remediation, solve problems that would have waited much longer had it not been for this accident," he said and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

"During the day, some will be discharged from treatment," he added, offering words of support and stating that the FBiH Government is at their disposal for all assistance.

The Mayor of Tuzla, Zijad Lugavić, said that firefighter drills are conducted every year, and this year it was precisely at the Retirement Home.

"The Retirement Home has a schedule for relocating residents. The law prescribes responsibility, and all measures will be taken," he said.

When asked whether he feels responsible for the tragedy, he said that "he feels responsible for all citizens of Tuzla."

Nikšić said that responsibility must be determined, which the investigation will show, and then it is necessary to determine whether this tragedy could have been prevented.

He also commented on the resignation of the director of the Tuzla Retirement Home, Mirsad Bakalović, adding that he should not be declared guilty for what happened, but his act of resignation is moral and expected.