A devastating house fire in Peru’s capital, Lima, has claimed the lives of 10 members of the same family, including five children, in one of the country’s deadliest residential fire tragedies in recent years.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident after reports suggested the blaze may have been deliberately started.
Deadly Fire Breaks Out Before Dawn
The fire erupted in the early hours of Wednesday at a family home in Lima’s La Victoria district.
According to Peruvian police, the flames spread rapidly through the building, trapping several family members inside while they slept.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Five Children Among the Victims
Authorities confirmed that the victims included five children aged three, six, six, eight and 15.
The remaining victims were adults aged 29, 35, 42 and 72, while the age of one additional adult has not been released.
Police said the bodies were severely burned, making identification extremely challenging.
Seven Family Members Escape
Seventeen relatives were inside the house when the fire broke out.
Seven people managed to escape the burning building, while two others reportedly suffered injuries and received medical treatment.
The survivors are receiving assistance as authorities continue investigating the tragedy.
Police Investigating Possible Arson
Investigators are examining whether the fire was intentionally started.
Local media reported that unknown individuals allegedly set fire to electric motorcycles parked outside the family’s property before the flames spread into the building.
The home also served as a mattress manufacturing workshop, and the highly flammable materials inside caused the fire to spread rapidly.
Family Reportedly Faced Extortion Threats
According to local reports, the family had previously received extortion demands connected to their business.
Police are investigating whether the suspected arson is linked to those threats, although no official conclusions have been announced.
Authorities are gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
Nation Mourns the Victims
The National Police of Peru expressed condolences to the victims’ relatives, describing the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss for the country.
Officials vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify those responsible if criminal activity is confirmed.
