Fire at nursing home in Chile kills 16 elderly residents

A devastating fire at a nursing home in Chile's Araucania region has claimed the lives of 16 elderly residents, leaving 10 others hospitalized. The fire, which erupted on Friday night, quickly spiraled out of control, engulfing the single-story building. Images from the scene depict towering flames and firefighters bravely battling the blaze.

At the time of the incident, 26 elderly residents were present at the facility. Ten of them managed to escape the inferno and sought medical attention at the local hospital. Authorities, including the mayor of Pitrufquen and regional health officials, have expressed their profound sorrow over the tragedy.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities examining the scene and interviewing key personnel. The owner of the private care home has been summoned to provide a statement. Prior to this incident, the facility had faced multiple regulatory violations and fines since 2019, with previous administrative proceedings and sanctions issued.

In response to the tragedy, Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast called for a thorough investigation and urgent measures to ensure the safety of nursing homes nationwide. The municipal government has also pledged support to the affected families during this difficult time.