Algiers, Algeria: A devastating overnight fire tore through a foster care facility in Algeria's capital city of Algiers, claiming the lives of 11 children and leaving 19 others injured, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene shortly after the blaze erupted and battled the flames for more than three hours before bringing the situation under control. Several children were rescued from the building and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while some remain in critical condition.
Local authorities said firefighters continued extinguishing hotspots and securing the structure even hours after the initial outbreak of the fire. The scale of the damage has raised concerns over safety measures and emergency preparedness at residential care institutions.
Officials have launched an investigation into the tragedy, but the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Forensic teams and fire experts are examining the site to determine how the blaze started.
The incident has triggered grief and outrage across Algeria, with government officials expressing condolences to the victims' families and promising a thorough inquiry into one of the country's deadliest residential fires in recent years.
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