At least 16 older residents have lost their lives in a tragic fire at the El Edén nursing home in Pitrufquén, Chile.
The blaze erupted Friday evening at about 22:30 local time and the fire was finally extinguished on Saturday morning. A total of 10 other residents were moved to safety as the emergency services fought the flames.
The cause of the fire remains unclear and a prosecutor, Jorge Granada, is investigating the incident. Initial reports suggest no evidence of arson, but the investigation is still ongoing.
In response, President José Antonio Kast has ordered a comprehensive review of nursing homes across Chile. He assured that the justice system would collaborate closely to determine the root cause, whether it was a failure in oversight or a lack of timely intervention to known risks.
Concurrently, police have cordoned the site while firefighters clear debris and remove collapsed roofing. Local mayor Jacqueline Romero has emphasized the need to support families emotionally and practically, noting the depth of sorrow felt by the community.
The incident has reignited concerns around the safety standards of elder‑care facilities in the country, with officials pledging reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
