A fire at a state-run child welfare institution in Mohammadia, east of Algiers, killed 11 people, including children, and injured 19 others early Thursday.
The blaze broke out around 3:30am local time (02:30 GMT) at the Childhood Relief Institution, Algeria’s Civil Protection agency said, reports Al Jazeera.
The facility serves as a residential care centre, providing shelter, medical care and social support for orphans, abandoned children and minors with special needs.
According to the agency, 10 people suffered burns of varying severity, while two others developed serious respiratory complications due to smoke inhalation. Seven more people received treatment for severe psychological shock.
Emergency teams evacuated five residents with special needs to safety during the rescue operation.
Videos shared on social media showed large crowds gathering outside the institution as firefighters and rescue teams worked to evacuate residents. Images released by the Civil Protection agency showed firefighters battling thick smoke inside the building.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed condolences in a social media post, saying he received the news of the deaths and injuries with deep sorrow.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb later visited Mustapha Pacha University Hospital in Algiers to check on the condition of the injured and oversee their treatment, local media reported.
Firefighting and search operations have been completed, while security and judicial authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
