Fire at Stuðlar treatment facility prompts search for missing youths in Iceland

After a fire broke out at a treatment facility called Stuðlar, police had to search for two young individuals who had previously been in custody there. These young people managed to escape after being returned home. Over the weekend, authorities also searched for six minors, two of whom were present at Stuðlar when the fire occurred on Saturday morning.

The youths were transferred home but subsequently fled from their residences. While one of the missing was located by midday today, the other remains unaccounted for. A third individual linked to this group had also been sought but returned home on their own.

A 15-year-old boy, who had been at Stuðlar since August, went missing just 20 minutes after being driven home and was reported missing for two days. Tragically, a 17-year-old boy lost his life in the fire, and a staff member was injured. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Seven children were present at Stuðlar when the fire started, four of whom were in emergency care. Funi Sigurðsson, the acting head of Stuðlar, stated that due to the damage caused by the fire, the children were relocated to other facilities. He assured that the children were being well cared for either at home or at another center, with staff doing their utmost to support them.

Authorities have indicated plans to review protocols following the incident, as previous discussions had highlighted issues regarding conditions at the facility. Further updates on this situation are expected.