Boy dies in fire at Stuðlar treatment facility in Iceland, staff member injured

A 17-year-old boy has died, and a staff member sustained injuries in a fire that broke out at the Stuðlar treatment facility in the early hours of the morning. The victim was under emergency care at the facility, which is specialized for vulnerable children.

The fire reportedly started in a room of the emergency care unit. Firefighting efforts were successful, but the cause of the blaze remains unknown and a preliminary investigation by the police is underway.

In a statement from the Children and Family Agency, officials expressed their sorrow over the incident, acknowledging their failure to ensure the safety of the child.

Additional measures have been implemented for the other children residing at Stuðlar, and an emergency team from the Red Cross has been summoned to provide support. The police are handling the investigation, though no details about the deceased child’s age were disclosed beyond confirming he was 17.

The statement also indicated that the facility has sustained significant damage and cannot continue to operate its normal services. An agreement has been reached with SÁÁ for temporary use of facilities at Vogi, allowing for the continued care of children by experts from Stuðlar and the Children and Family Agency during repair work at the original location. Efforts to expedite repairs at Stuðlar are a priority, with a focus on completing the planned development of other treatment options that have been in progress.