Cape Town, South Africa — 16 July 2026 – A catastrophic fire at the Fondation de l’Enfance Assistée, an orphanage on the outskirts of Algiers, Algeria, has resulted in the loss of at least 11 lives and injuries to 19 others, as reported by Algerian civil defence officials.
The fire, which erupted before dawn on Thursday, has underscored the vulnerabilities of emergency services and the safety of vulnerable populations in the region.
The Mohammadia district, east of the Algerian capital, witnessed the unfolding tragedy as emergency crews responded to the scene almost immediately. Among the injured are ten individuals suffering from varying degrees of burns, while five children with special needs were successfully evacuated to safety. This incident occurs amidst a severe heatwave that has been gripping Algeria, with nearly 1,000 wildfires reported across the nation in the past week.
The General Directorate of Civil Protection has been battling 913 fires since July 8, placing immense strain on the emergency services.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the community is in deep mourning as authorities work to manage the crisis. Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb has visited survivors in hospital, expressing condolences on behalf of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
As the investigation progresses, the Algerian government faces the challenge of enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring the safety of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
The tragedy has ignited a national conversation about the need for improved preparedness and response to fires and other disasters.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
