DISARMING
TO DEATH

Topics: Danger; Distractions; Indifference; Neglect; Responsibility; Warnings; Witnessing

References: Matthew 28:16–20; Luke 24:45–49; John 3:16–21; Acts 1:8; Romans 6:23; 10:14–15; 1 Corinthians 9:19–23; 1 Peter 3:15

In March 2007, in the Kuban region of southern Russia, at least sixty-two people were killed by a fire that quickly blazed through a home for the elderly. The greatest tragedy was that the deaths could have been prevented.

Authorities say a night watchman ignored two fire alarms. When the third alarm sounded and the watchman saw flames, he finally took the necessary action to evacuate residents. Even then, other staffers were notably absent from their posts, making the escape effort nearly impossible in some cases. By the time fire authorities and rescue workers arrived, many residents had already died from smoke inhalation.

—Associated Press, “Fire Kills 62 after Alarms Ignored,” CNN.com (March 20, 2007)