ALGIERS: A fire at an orphanage near Algeria’s capital killed 11 people, including children, and injured 19 others, authorities said.
According to media reports, the blaze broke out suddenly at the orphanage near Algiers and quickly spread through the facility before emergency responders arrived.
Rescue teams and local residents rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire and evacuate those trapped inside. Authorities said 10 people suffered severe burns, while five people with disabilities were safely rescued from the building.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known, and an investigation is expected to determine what sparked the blaze.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
More read, More than 10,000 excess deaths linked to Europe heat wave
Earlier, More than 10,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during the final week of June as an intense heat wave pushed temperatures to record levels, with older adults accounting for the vast majority of fatalities, according to official data.
Data from 27 European countries showed that an estimated 10,650 excess deaths occurred during the week of June 22-28, marking a sharp increase compared with the previous eight weeks, when mortality levels had remained below seasonal averages.
Authorities said nearly 9,000 of those who died were aged 65 or older, highlighting the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on elderly and vulnerable populations.
Meteorologists said climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves across Europe, exposing older adults and people with underlying health conditions to greater health risks.
