Preliminary Investigation Points to Overheated Air Conditioner as Cause of Deadly Algiers Orphanage Fire
A preliminary police investigation has found that an electrical spark from an air conditioner operating continuously during an intense heatwave was the likely cause of the fire that killed 11 people, including a caregiver, at the Mohammadia Child Care Institution in Algiers. The investigation remains ongoing as Algeria continues to mourn the victims, with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and international leaders extending condolences.
Algerian authorities said on Friday that a preliminary investigation into the deadly fire at the Mohammadia Child Care Institution in Algiers indicates that an overheated air conditioner was the likely source of the blaze that claimed 11 lives and left several others injured.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), specialised police units were deployed immediately after the incident to carry out technical examinations, forensic analyses and crime-scene investigations aimed at determining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Preliminary findings
Based on the initial conclusions of forensic experts and crime-scene technicians, investigators determined that the fire was most likely triggered by an electrical spark originating from an air-conditioning unit installed in a first-floor room of the institution.
The DGSN said the malfunction was apparently linked to the continuous operation of the air conditioner, which had been running for prolonged periods amid the exceptionally high temperatures recorded in recent days.
Authorities stressed that the investigation remains open and is continuing under the supervision of the competent judicial and security services to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident.
National mourning and official response
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, prompting Civil Protection services to intervene at approximately 3:30 a.m. The blaze resulted in the deaths of 11 people, including a 52-year-old caregiver, while 19 others were injured, according to the official toll announced by Algerian authorities.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed his condolences following the tragedy, describing the victims as “children of Algeria” and praying for Almighty Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives while wishing a swift recovery to the injured. His message noted the tragedy occurred only one day after Algeria commemorated National Children’s Day.
Acting on the President’s instructions, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited the Zéralda Burns Hospital and Mustapha Pacha University Hospital to assess the condition of the injured and oversee their medical care. He said all necessary directives had been issued to ensure comprehensive treatment for those affected.
On behalf of President Tebboune and the government, Ghrieb also conveyed condolences to the victims’ families before attending the funeral of the deceased children at Sidi Rzine Cemetery in Baraki, accompanied by several cabinet ministers, including the ministers of Interior, Justice, Health and National Solidarity.
International condolences
The tragedy also prompted messages of sympathy from abroad.
During his official visit to Germany, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered his sincere condolences to President Tebboune and the Algerian people during a joint press conference in Berlin.
In its statement announcing the preliminary findings, the DGSN also extended its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished all those injured a full and rapid recovery.
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