An air conditioning unit is believed to have sparked a deadly fire at a children's orphanage in Algiers that killed 11 people, including children, and injured 19 others, according to police.
The blaze erupted at the orphanage on Thursday, with civil defense officials announcing the death toll several hours later. Authorities reported that five children with reduced mobility were safely rescued from the fire.
The incident has led to widespread shock and outrage, with opposition figures, critical media, and social media users demanding answers regarding potential negligence. The Jil Jadid party has called for a transparent investigation and accountability for any safety failures. The party also urged a nationwide review of fire safety standards in institutions like orphanages, care homes, hospitals, and schools.
Journalist Akram Kharief characterized the fire as a "national tragedy" and questioned the lack of fire safety audits at public institutions. Social media users have raised concerns about overnight supervision of children and have called for resignations. The website Le Matin d'Algérie noted the absence of the local mayor and provincial governor during the initial rescue operations, while the pro-government site Algerie Patriotique stated that the truth must be established "without complacency" to determine if the deaths could have been prevented.
The fire occurred during an intense summer heatwave in Algeria, with firefighters also battling several wildfires across the country.