Police say the fire at an Algiers orphanage began with an electrical spark from a faulty air‑conditioner, killing 11 people and wounding 19.
The blazing blaze started early Thursday morning amid the sweltering heat wave, with the air‑conditioner running continuously before the spark ignited the building.
Officials have not released the ages of those killed, but President Abdelmajid Tebboune confirmed children were among the victims. The civil protection department reported 19 injured, with several admitted to hospitals for burns, smoke inhalation and shock.
Firefighters battled the flames for more than three hours, deploying ten engines and sixteen ambulances to the site on the afternoon of Thursday.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited survivors at two hospitals where they receive medical care while investigators work to determine the exact cause and any negligence involved.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation. The Jil Jadid opposition party has demanded a transparent inquiry and a nationwide review of fire‑safety standards in orphanages, care homes, hospitals and schools.
Journalists and social media users question the oversight of the children during the night and demand accountability from those responsible for safety protocols. The broader tragedy raises concerns over infrastructure and safety across public institutions in Algeria.
