In brief
Police say a faulty air‑conditioner ignited a fire at an orphanage in Mohammadia, an eastern suburb of Algiers, killing 11 people—many children—and leaving 19 injured. The AC had run continuously during a brutal heatwave before sparking. Prime Minister and President visited hospitals treating survivors, and officials called for a full investigation and nationwide fire‑safety reviews.
A faulty air‑conditioner sparked a blaze that tore through a children's orphanage in Algiers early Thursday, leaving 11 dead and 19 injured.
The air‑conditioner had been running continuously during a sweltering heatwave before the spark ignited the building’s wooden structure. For about three hours, fire engines and ambulance crews fought the flames.
President Abdelmajid Tebboune confirmed children were among the victims, while Prime Minister Sidi Ghrieb visited hospitals treating survivors.
Fire‑safety authorities have called for a thorough investigation and nationwide reviews of safety protocols in care homes, schools and hospitals.
