At least 16 people die in fire at nursing home in Chile
In Chile, at least 16 elderly residents died as a result of a fire at the El Edén nursing home in the city of Pitrufquén, about 640 kilometers south of the country's capital, Santiago. Another 10 people were evacuated after the blaze. This was reported by BBC News.
The cause of the fire is being investigated
The fire began at around 22:30 on Friday and was fully extinguished on Saturday morning. Prosecutor Jorge Granada, who is leading the investigation, said that at this stage the cause of the incident remains unclear.
On Saturday, firefighters continued clearing the debris and removing the collapsed corrugated metal roof. Police cordoned off the area for safety reasons.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Inspection of care facilities
Chilean President José Antonio Kast ordered an inspection of the condition of nursing homes across the country. According to him, the authorities will cooperate with the justice system to establish the circumstances of the tragedy, possible shortcomings in oversight or prevention, as well as what warnings were received and how they were responded to.
Pitrufquén Mayor Jacqueline Romero said that support is being provided to the families.
