11 killed, 19 injured in Algeria child welfare facility fire

Algeria's Civil Protection authority said on Thursday that at least 11 people were killed and 19 others injured in a fire at a child welfare institution in the Mohammadia district east of Algiers. Firefighters were continuing efforts to extinguish the blaze, according to a statement.

Casualties reported

The death toll reached 11 in a preliminary assessment. Of the 19 injured, 10 sustained burns of varying severity, two experienced breathing difficulties, and seven were treated for shock. Five people with disabilities were evacuated from the facility.

Cause unknown

Officials said the cause of the fire was not immediately known. The facility houses vulnerable children and individuals with special needs.