A fire that killed 11 people at an orphanage in Algeria’s capital was caused by an electrical spark from a faulty air-conditioning unit, police have said.
Forensic investigators found that the air conditioner had been running continuously during an intense summer heatwave before the blaze broke out in the early hours of Thursday, July 17.
The fire erupted at the children’s care home in Mohammadia, an eastern suburb of Algiers, and took firefighters at least three hours to bring under control.
Algerian authorities have not confirmed the ages of those killed or the 19 people injured, although President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said children were among the dead.
A carer at the facility was also reported to have died in the fire.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited survivors receiving treatment at two hospitals for burns, smoke inhalation and shock.
Authorities said five children with reduced mobility were safely rescued from the building.
The tragedy has prompted growing calls for an investigation into possible negligence and failures in fire safety standards.
The opposition Jil Jadid party called for a transparent inquiry and legal action against anyone found responsible for negligence or safety breaches.
It also demanded a nationwide review of fire safety measures at orphanages, care homes, hospitals and schools.
The fire occurred as Algeria faced an intense summer heatwave, with emergency services also battling several wildfires across the north of the country.