In brief
A fire that broke out on Friday evening at El Edén nursing home in Pitrufquén, Chile, claimed the lives of at least 16 residents and forced the evacuation of ten others. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by Saturday morning while authorities investigated its cause, which remains unclear. Chilean President José Antonio Kast ordered a nationwide review of nursing homes and pledged cooperation with the justice system to uncover any failures in oversight or prevention. Local officials have provided support to families affected by the tragedy, calling the incident “a situation that fills our souls with great sorrow and pain.” The investigation continues as part of a broader scrutiny of elder-care facilities across the country.
At least 16 elderly residents have died in a blaze at El Edén nursing home in Pitrufquén, Chile.
The fire erupted on Friday evening around 22:30 local time, forcing the evacuation of ten other residents and sparking an emergency response that lasted until Saturday morning.
Police and fire crews worked to extinguish the flames and clean up collapsed metal roofing while authorities investigate the cause, which has been described as unclear at present.
President José Antonio Kast has ordered a nationwide review of nursing homes and pledged full cooperation with the justice system to uncover any failures in oversight or prevention, noting that the truth must be found so we can prevent future tragedies.
Local officials, including mayor Jacqueline Romero, have offered support to victims’ families and called the incident a "situation that fills our souls with great sorrow and pain."
The investigation is ongoing as part of a broader scrutiny of elder‑care facilities across the country.
