A devastating fire at a residential care facility in Chile has claimed the lives of at least 16 elderly residents, with ten others successfully evacuated from the building, authorities confirmed.
The blaze engulfed El Edén home in Pitrufquén, situated approximately 640 kilometres south of Santiago, on Friday evening. The fire started around 22:30 local time and continued burning through the night before firefighters brought it under control on Saturday morning.
Jorge Granada, the prosecutor overseeing the investigation, stated that the cause of the fire remains undetermined at this early stage of the inquiry.
What is the government's response?
President José Antonio Kast announced that he has initiated a comprehensive review of nursing home conditions throughout Chile in response to the tragedy. The president emphasised the government's commitment to working with the judicial system to establish the facts of what occurred and to identify any gaps in safety oversight or emergency preparedness.
We will fully collaborate with the justice system to clarify what happened, determine where failures may have existed in oversight or prevention, identify what alerts were raised and what actions were taken in response to them. We need to know the truth and, based on that, correct whatever is necessary to do everything possible to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.
Kast's statement underscores the administration's intention to use the findings to strengthen protections for vulnerable residents in care facilities nationwide.
What was the scene at the facility?
On Saturday, emergency responders remained at the site conducting recovery and cleanup operations. Firefighters worked to clear debris and remove sections of collapsed corrugated metal roofing that had fallen during the fire. Police established a security perimeter around the property to ensure public safety during the ongoing response.
Jacqueline Romero, the mayor of Pitrufquén, expressed the community's grief over the loss.
It is a situation that fills our souls with great sorrow and pain. We have been... providing support to the families,she said, highlighting local efforts to assist those affected by the disaster.
Key Facts
- At least 16 residents died in the fire at El Edén nursing home in Pitrufquén on Friday evening
- Ten residents were evacuated safely from the facility
- The fire began around 22:30 and was extinguished on Saturday morning
- The cause of the fire has not yet been determined
- President Kast has ordered a nationwide review of nursing home safety standards and oversight
