Lima Blaze Leaves 10 Dead, Including Five Children – Police Probe Possible Arson
A house fire in Lima’s southern La Victoria neighbourhood left ten people dead on Wednesday morning, police said. Victims included five children between 3 and 15 years old and five adults, some aged 29 to 72.
The blaze started at about 3:00 am local time. According to Gen. Oscar Arriola of the National Police, 17 members of the family were inside when the fire erupted, but seven managed to escape. The flames rapidly spread through the makeshift mattress‑making area, igniting a pile of flammable material.
Police suspect the fire was set deliberately after the family, who also owned electric motorcycles, reportedly received extortion demands and threats from unidentified individuals. This theory is supported by neighbours reporting that the flames first appeared on motorcycles parked outside the house before devouring nearby mattresses.
The bodies were burned beyond recognition, according to authorities. The National Police issued a statement that a tragedy of this magnitude forces the nation into mourning.
The investigation has intensified, with police urging witnesses to come forward. If you witnessed or have information about the incident, please contact the police hotline.
For further details, see the official Andina report and the Infobae coverage.
