In brief
A fire broke out Friday night at El Edén nursing home, 400 miles south of Santiago, killing 16 elderly residents and forcing the evacuation of 10 others. The cause remains unknown as authorities launch an investigation. President José Antonio Kast has ordered a review of nursing home safety and oversight across Chile. Firefighters cleared debris the next day while police cordoned the site, and the community mourns the tragedy.
At least 16 elderly residents died in a fire at Chile’s El Edén nursing home in Pitrufquen, 640 km south of Santiago.
The blaze erupted on Friday evening around 22:30 local time (01:30 GMT) and was finally extinguished on Saturday morning. Ten residents were evacuated immediately after the fire broke out.
Prosecutor Jorge Granada said that the cause of the incident is still unclear. Police and firefighters are clearing debris, removing collapsed corrugated metal roofing, and cordoning the area for safety.
President José Antonio Kast announced a review into the condition of nursing homes across the country, pledging full collaboration with the justice system to identify failures in oversight or prevention, the alerts that were raised, and the actions taken in response.
The local mayor, Jacqueline Romero, conveyed that the situation fills the hearts of residents with sorrow and pain and that support is being provided to families.
