A fire at an orphanage in Algeria has killed 11 children and injured several others, prompting a national investigation into the cause of the blaze and renewed concerns over safety standards at residential care facilities.
The fire broke out overnight at an orphanage in M’Sila Province, southeast of the capital, Algiers. Emergency services responded quickly, but flames spread rapidly through parts of the building before firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Algeria’s Civil Protection agency said the victims were children living at the facility, while several other residents and staff members were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment. The condition of the injured has not been fully disclosed.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Officials said forensic experts and safety inspectors are examining the scene to establish whether electrical faults, structural deficiencies or other factors contributed to the tragedy.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered government agencies to provide support to survivors and conduct a comprehensive review of safety measures at childcare institutions across the country.
The incident has sparked public calls for improved fire prevention systems and stricter enforcement of building safety regulations at orphanages, schools and other residential facilities housing children.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said further information will be released as inquiries progress.
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