In brief
A malfunctioning air‑conditioning unit sparked an early‑morning fire at an orphanage in Mohammadia, a suburb of Algiers, killing 11 people and injuring 19 others. Forensic investigators link the blaze to an electrical spark occurring while the unit ran continuously amid the summer heat. President Abdelmajid Tebboune confirmed that children died, and the prime minister visited surviving patients in hospitals. Civil defence and opposition groups are demanding a transparent investigation and a review of fire safety standards in care homes and schools.
An electrical spark from a malfunctioning air‑conditioning unit triggered a blaze early Thursday morning at a children’s care home in Mohammadia, east of Algiers. Eleven people, including several children, lost their lives and nineteen others sustained injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation.
The civil protection department confirmed the unit was running continuously during the summer heat before the fire erupted. Forensic investigators say the spark was the fire’s ignition source, although specific details about the safety checks remain unclear.
President Abdelmajid Tebboune issued a statement expressing sorrow over the deaths of children, while Prime Minister Nabil Lamrani visited two hospitals treating injured survivors. The incident has sparked nationwide criticism over possible negligence and calls for a comprehensive audit of fire safety standards in orphanages, schools and health facilities.
Algeria is also battling several wildfires during a severe heatwave, putting additional strain on emergency services. Ten fire engines and sixteen ambulances were dispatched to the orphanage on Thursday, responding for more than three hours to contain the flames.
Opposition parties, media outlets, and social media users are demanding a transparent investigation. The Jil Jadid party has called for legal accountability for any negligence that may have contributed to the tragedy and urges a nationwide review of fire safety protocols.
At the scene, the first image shows police guarding the orphanage gates as crowds gather, while the second captures firefighters and rescue teams battling the blaze. These visuals underscore the urgency with which authorities are tackling the disaster.
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