In brief
A devastating fire broke out early Wednesday in the La Victoria district of Lima, killing 10 members of a single family, including five children aged 3 to 15. Police suspect arson after neighbors reported motorcycles igniting and the rapid spread of mattress‑making materials. The victims, who owned an electric motorcycle and mattress business, had reportedly received extortion threats. The tragedy has prompted nationwide mourning and a heightened police presence to prevent further criminal acts.
A devastating fire broke out early Wednesday morning in the southern La Victoria district of Lima, killing 10 members of a single family, including five children aged between 3 and 15. Police say the blaze was fueled by the family's mattress‑making materials and the electric motorcycles parked outside.
Peruvian National Police officer Gen. Oscar Arriola told local media that the incident began at 3:00 am local time and that the flames spread rapidly through the flammable household items. Neighbours reported that unknown individuals had set fire to the motorcycles, sparking the destructive spread. Police are investigating the crime as arson.
The victims – four adults aged 29, 35, 42 and 72, plus a fifth adult whose age is unknown – were found with bodies burned beyond recognition. The five children were aged three, six, six, eight and 15.
Only seven of the 17 family members present inside the building managed to escape, according to Infobae reports. The survivors were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
The family’s business had been the target of extortion demands; a statement from the National Police emphasized that the nation “falls silent in the face of a tragedy that plunges us into mourning.” A police presence will remain in the area to prevent criminal acts while the investigation continues.
