The Lima house fire in the La Victoria district killed at least 10 people early Wednesday, police said. Relatives reported that five of the victims were adults and five were children. Two others were injured, according to a statement from the INDECI civil defense institute.
The blaze erupted at a family residence in a low-income area of Peru’s capital. Local images showed residents clearing debris as investigators and emergency crews worked at the scene.
Lima house fire investigation underway
Officials said nine fire units responded to contain the flames. Preliminary assessments cited by local reports indicated the fire spread quickly due to flammable materials stored nearby and parked electric vehicles outside the home.
Peru’s president-elect Keiko Fujimori visited the site later Wednesday, describing the deaths as “a terrible massacre” and telling reporters that restoring order and security would be an immediate priority for her incoming administration.
Authorities have opened an inquiry to determine the origin, circumstances, and cause of the fire, police chief Oscar Arriola told the media. Local media reports said extortionists who had been threatening area businesses may have started the blaze. Colonel John Lujan, who is leading the investigation, said a deliberate act or a case related to extortion is among the lines of inquiry.
