Eleven children died and 19 others sustained injuries after a fire engulfed an orphanage in the Algerian capital of Algiers on Thursday. Authorities have not yet specified the cause of the deadly blaze.
The incident unfolded during a severe heatwave sweeping across Algeria, a period that has already seen nearly 1,000 fires erupt nationwide, according to Euronews reports.
The inferno tore through the facility, leaving a trail of devastation. Emergency services responded to the scene, transporting the injured for medical treatment.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, currently on a trip to Berlin, expressed his profound condolences to the victims and their families, DW News reported. The tragic loss of life has cast a sombre mood across the nation.
Heatwave Fuels Widespread Fires Across Algeria
Algeria has been grappling with extreme temperatures in recent days, creating conditions ripe for wildfires. The heatwave has strained emergency services and put communities on high alert for further outbreaks.
While the exact cause of the orphanage fire remains under investigation, the broader context of widespread blazes highlights the significant challenges the country faces during periods of intense heat.
Officials have urged vigilance and caution as the heatwave persists, affecting multiple regions and posing ongoing risks to public safety and infrastructure.
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