In brief
A devastating fire erupted at the El Edén nursing home in Pitrufquen, killing 16 elderly residents and displacing ten others. The blaze began on Friday evening at around 22:30 local time and was extinguished only after a day of intense firefighting. President José Antonio Kast ordered a nationwide review of care homes while prosecutor Jorge Granada seeks to determine the cause. Authorities and local officials are now clearing debris and supporting families.
A fire at Chile’s El Edén nursing home in Pitrufquen has claimed at least 16 lives and forced ten residents to be evacuated.
The blaze broke out on Friday evening at about 22:30 local time. By Saturday morning after a day of intense firefighting, the fire was finally under control, but the building’s metal roof and interior had collapsed.
Jorge Granada, a prosecutor leading the investigation, said the cause was still unclear. President José Antonio Kast has ordered a sweeping review of all nursing homes across the country.
\\We must understand what went wrong, who was overlooked, and ensure such a tragedy never happens again,\\ Kast said during a televised address. Local mayor Jacqueline Romero added that authorities are providing emotional and logistical support to grieving families.
The police have cordoned the site and fire crews continue debris removal, while investigators probe for a trigger—whether faulty wiring, cooking mishaps or regulatory failings.
