A fire at a foster care home in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, killed at least 11 people, including children, and injured 19 others. The government has launched an investigation into the incident, while rescue and relief operations continued.
According to authorities, the fire broke out early on Thursday while most residents were asleep. Emergency responders reached the scene and rescued several people, but the blaze spread rapidly, leaving multiple casualties. The government has opened an investigation into the incident, although the official cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
According to Algeria's Civil Protection Department, firefighters were alerted at around 3:30 a.m. local time on Thursday. The incident occurred at a foster care home in Mohammadia, an eastern suburb of Algiers. Firefighters immediately launched rescue operations, but the fire was so intense that it took several hours to bring it under control. Authorities said 10 fire engines and 16 ambulances were deployed to the scene.
The Civil Protection Department confirmed that 11 people died in the fire and 19 others were injured. While the department did not release the ages of the victims, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed in his condolence message that children were among those killed.
Local resident Abdessalam Merah said he heard the sirens of fire engines at around 3:00 a.m. He said cries from children could be heard as the fire spread. Residents in the area attempted to assist with rescue efforts, but the blaze had already intensified. According to witnesses, several children were rescued safely, while others were taken to hospital in serious condition.
Authorities said five people with special needs were safely evacuated to another secure location during the fire. Rescue teams prioritised the evacuation of children, elderly residents and people with special needs. The injured were admitted to hospitals across Algiers, where they continue to receive treatment.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune described the incident as a "tragic tragedy" and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He also wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited hospitals in Algiers to meet the injured and received updates from officials on relief and medical treatment efforts. According to state media, he also met children receiving treatment in hospital.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the fire. Investigators are examining whether it was caused by a technical fault, an electrical short circuit or another factor. Forensic experts are inspecting the site and preparing a detailed report.
Algeria is currently experiencing a severe heatwave. According to local authorities, nearly 1,000 fire incidents have been recorded across the country over the past week. In the past 24 hours alone, authorities reported 115 forest fires. However, officials have not stated that the foster care home fire was linked to the current heatwave.
Following the incident, opposition parties, social organisations and citizens called for an impartial investigation. Social media users also questioned whether adequate fire safety measures were in place at institutions caring for children. Experts said regular fire safety audits and emergency evacuation drills are necessary at foster care homes, schools and hospitals.
