At least 11 people, including children, have died after a devastating fire broke out at a foster care home in Algeria’s capital, Algiers, prompting calls for a full investigation into the tragedy.
Authorities said 19 other people were injured in the early morning blaze, while emergency responders rescued several vulnerable residents from the facility.
Children Among Victims of Algeria Foster Care Home Fire
According to Algeria’s Civil Protection Department, firefighters were alerted to the fire at about 3:30 a.m. local time on Thursday at a foster care facility in Mohammadia, an eastern suburb of Algiers.
Emergency crews deployed 10 fire engines and 16 ambulances to battle the blaze and evacuate residents.
Although officials have not released the ages of the victims, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed that children were among those who lost their lives.
The president described the incident as a “tragic loss” and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
Firefighters Rescue Survivors
Authorities said 19 people sustained injuries during the incident and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Five residents with special needs were also safely evacuated and moved to a secure location as firefighters worked to contain the fire.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, and officials have not announced whether an investigation has identified any contributing factors.
Heatwave Raises Fire Concerns
The tragedy comes as Algeria experiences an intense heatwave that has contributed to a surge in fire incidents across the country.
According to the Civil Protection Department, more than 115 wildfires were recorded within the previous 24 hours, while nearly 1,000 fires have been reported nationwide over the past week.
It remains unclear whether the extreme weather conditions played any role in the fire at the foster care home.
Calls for Transparent Investigation
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited two hospitals in Algiers to meet with injured survivors and assess the emergency response.
Meanwhile, opposition politicians and members of the public have called for a transparent investigation into the cause of the fire.
The opposition Jil Jadid party urged authorities to determine whether negligence or failures in fire safety measures contributed to the deadly incident and called for anyone found responsible to be held accountable.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations as emergency services assess the damage and support survivors.
