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[INTERNATIONAL] · Chile · 19 sources

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Pitrufquén nursing home fire kills at least 16 people

A devastating fire at the El Edén nursing home in Pitrufquén, La Araucanía region, has resulted in at least 16 deaths. The incident occurred late Friday night, around 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM, at the facility located on Route S-70 in Villa Comuy.

At the time of the blaze, the establishment was housing approximately 26 residents. Emergency responders, including seven fire crews and SAMU medical teams, managed to evacuate 10 people, who were subsequently treated at the Pitrufquén Hospital for injuries and shock. The remaining residents were unable to escape the flames.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with prosecutor Jorge Granada noting that potential triggers include an electrical accident or a stove. Specialized units from Carabineros, including Labocar and OS-9, are working alongside the Organized Crime and Homicide Team (ECOH) to conduct forensic analysis.

Local officials, including Mayor Jacqueline Romero, revealed that the facility was already under a sanitary summary. In response to the tragedy, President José Antonio Kast has ordered an urgent review of the safety and inspection conditions of nursing homes throughout Chile to prevent similar occurrences.

Entities

Carabineros de Chile · El Edén · Jorge Granada · José Antonio Kast · Juana Repetto · La Araucanía · Pitrufquén · Senapred · Timoteo

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