Saudi Arabia has conveyed its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to Algeria following a deadly fire at an assisted childhood institution in the Algerian capital, Algiers, that claimed lives and left several others injured.
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support to Algeria and its people in the wake of the tragedy, while extending its wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured.
A tragedy that shook Algiers
The Kingdom’s message came on the heels of a disastrous fire that swept through an orphanage in the Mohammadia district near Algiers early Thursday, killing 11 people, including children, and injuring 19 others, authorities said.
According to Algeria’s civil protection agency, 10 of the injured suffered burns of varying degrees. During the rescue operation, emergency crews safely evacuated five people with disabilities from the orphanage.
Authorities have not provided further details about the victims, including their identities or ages. They did not even disclose the cause of the fire.
In the wake of the tragedy, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune extended his condolences in a social media post, mourning “the deaths of children and the injuries of others.”
Extreme heat fuels fire emergencies
As smoke from the fire rose, residents of Mohammadia rushed from their homes, joining emergency responders at the scene. Among them was 58-year-old Elias Gabrini, who described the tragedy as overwhelming.
“It’s truly overwhelming. Seeing this with your own eyes is not easy,” Gabrini said.
The tragedy unfolded amid a prolonged heatwave that grappled Algeria. Since July 8, civil protection units have battled 913 fires nationwide, APS reported, citing the General Directorate of Civil Protection.
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