A catastrophic fire at a children's orphanage in Algeria's capital, Algiers, which claimed the lives of 11 people, has been attributed to an electrical spark from a faulty air conditioning unit. Police in the North African country confirmed the cause of the blaze, which also left 19 individuals injured.
The fire erupted in the early hours of Thursday morning, with forensic investigators indicating that the air conditioner had been running continuously due to an intense summer heatwave gripping Algeria. The victims included children and at least one carer working at the orphanage in Mohammadia, an eastern suburb of Algiers. Five children with reduced mobility were safely rescued from the building.
The incident has provoked a strong reaction across Algeria, with President Abdelmajid Tebboune expressing his sorrow and the civil defence unit announcing the death toll with a message of condolence. Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb has visited survivors, who are receiving treatment for burns, smoke inhalation, and shock at two hospitals.
In the wake of the tragedy, there have been widespread demands for accountability and improved safety. Opposition figures, critical media outlets, and social media users have called for a transparent investigation into potential negligence. The Jil Jadid party specifically urged for legal consequences for any safety failures and a comprehensive, nationwide review of fire safety standards across all public institutions, including orphanages, care homes, hospitals, and schools.
Journalist Akram Kharief described the fire as a "national tragedy," questioning existing safety protocols and calling for immediate audits. The incident has also prompted questions regarding overnight supervision at the orphanage and the initial response from local authorities, including the reported absence of the mayor and provincial governor during the early rescue operations.