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11 die in Algeria children’s care home fire

Algerian authorities say a fire at a children’s care home killed 11 and injured 19.

Why it matters: The blaze hit a vulnerable institution in Algeria’s capital region and has immediate humanitarian urgency. It could also prompt questions about safety standards, emergency response and burn care capacity.

  • The fire broke out at the Assisted Children's Institution in Mohammadia, a district in Algiers, Algeria.
  • Authorities said the blaze left 11 people dead and 19 injured.
  • Civil Protection intervention began around 3:30 a.m. local time on July 16, 2026.
  • Algerian Radio said 17 injured people with burns were taken to the Major Burns Hospital in Zeralda.

A fire broke out overnight at the Assisted Children's Institution in Mohammadia, in Algiers, according to Algerian Radio. Authorities said the blaze killed 11 people and injured 19 others.

Civil Protection intervention began around 3:30 a.m. local time on July 16, 2026. Algerian Radio reported that 17 of the injured suffered burns of varying severity and were transferred to the Major Burns Hospital in Zeralda, while other injured people were taken to Mustapha Pacha University Hospital in Algiers.

Radio Algérienne said five children with special needs were also taken into care after the fire was brought under control. The office of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune issued condolences after the incident, according to the official statement published by APS.

The cause of the fire was not stated in the available reporting. The sources also do not specify the identities or ages of the victims, or whether an investigation has been opened.

By the numbers

  • 11 - people reported dead in the fire
  • 19 - people reported injured
  • 17 - injured people with burns transferred to the Major Burns Hospital in Zeralda

Yes, but: The cause of the blaze has not been established in the available sources, and the reporting does not yet say whether investigators have opened a formal inquiry.

What's next: Authorities are expected to continue caring for the injured and may release further details on the cause and victims.

Based on reporting from

  • BBC News

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