Algerian state orphanage fire kills 11, prompting judicial investigation
Emergency services in Algeria have confirmed 11 deaths and 19 injuries following a fire at a state-run child welfare facility. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb have responded to the incident as authorities conclude search operations and launch an inquiry.
Eleven people, including children, have died and 19 others were injured after a fire broke out at the Childhood Relief Institution in Mohammadia, east of Algiers. The blaze occurred at approximately 03:30 local time on Thursday morning at the state-run facility, which provides residential care, medical support, and shelter for orphans, abandoned minors, and children with special needs.
Emergency services treated 10 victims for burns of varying severity and two individuals for severe respiratory distress caused by smoke inhalation. Seven additional patients were treated for severe psychological shock. Field teams also evacuated five residents with special needs to a safe location during the incident.
Official images released by the state Civil Protection agency showed responders working in heavy smoke to contain the fire within the building’s corridors. Bystander footage circulated online depicted dozens of residents gathered at the scene, observing the rescue efforts.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune issued a statement offering condolences, confirming he had received news of the deaths of children and injuries to others. Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited the Mustapha Pacha University Hospital in Algiers to oversee the medical treatment of the injured, according to the Algerian newspaper Algerie Patriotique.
Firefighting and search operations have now concluded. Security and judicial authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, with the specific origin of the blaze yet to be established.
