11 killed as fire at Algerian orphanage

A fire at a state-run child welfare institution in Mohammadia, east of Algiers, killed 11 people, including children, and injured 19 early Thursday.

The blaze broke out at around 3:30 am local time (02:30 GMT) at the Childhood Relief Institution, Algeria’s Civil Protection agency said.

The facility serves as a residential care centre, providing shelter, medical treatment and social support for orphans, abandoned children and minors with special needs.

According to the agency, 10 people suffered burns of varying degrees, while two others sustained severe respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation.

Another seven people were treated for severe psychological shock. Emergency teams also evacuated five residents with special needs to a safe location.

Videos shared on social media showed large crowds gathered outside the institution as rescue efforts continued. Images released by the Civil Protection agency showed firefighters battling thick smoke inside the building while evacuating residents. TV& Video

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed condolences in a social media post, saying he had received the news of the deaths of children and injuries to others with deep sorrow.

Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb later visited Mustapha Pacha University Hospital in Algiers to check on the condition of the injured and oversee their treatment, local media reported.

Firefighting and search operations have been completed, while security and judicial authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.