A devastating fire at a foster care facility in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, has claimed the lives of eleven people and left 19 others injured. The country's civil protection department confirmed the fatalities and injuries, noting that firefighters were still battling the blaze on Thursday morning at 05:50 GMT.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the ages of those who died or were injured in the inferno. Amidst the chaos, five individuals with special needs who were residing at the facility were successfully evacuated and transported to a safe location, according to a statement from the civil protection department.
The tragic incident unfolds as Algeria endures a prolonged and intense heatwave. Reports indicate that the extreme weather conditions have led to a significant increase in fires across the nation, with nearly 1,000 blazes recorded within the last week alone. The heatwave is believed to have exacerbated the risk and spread of such incidents.
Following the fire, Algerian state media reported that Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited two hospitals in Algiers to check on those injured. A photograph accompanying the report showed the Prime Minister alongside a child in a hospital bed, underscoring the severity of the situation and the government's immediate response.
While there are no immediate reports of British nationals being directly affected by this particular incident, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises UK citizens travelling to or residing in Algeria to monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, particularly concerning extreme weather conditions and associated risks like fires. Such large-scale emergencies in the region can sometimes lead to localised disruptions, though direct impact on UK trade or travel is not currently anticipated.