In brief
An early‑morning fire destroyed a family home in Lima’s La Victoria district, killing ten members, including five children aged 3 to 15. Police suspect arson following extortion threats against the family’s mattress‑making business. The blaze started around 3:00 a.m., spreading from a motorcycle on the property and burning the interior beyond recognition. Local witnesses and police officials described the scene as chaotic and tragic, with survivors injured. The incident has precipitated a nationwide outcry, with authorities maintaining a heightened police presence to prevent further criminal acts.
Fire kills 10 members of same family in Peru, police say
A residential fire in Lima’s southern La Victoria district killed 10 people of the same family, including five children, according to the Peruvian National Police.
Police commander Gen. Oscar Arriola reported that the blaze broke out early Wednesday, around 3:00 a.m. (08:00 GMT). The emergency reached the building while 17 family members were inside.
Five children (ages 3, 6, 6, 8 and 15) and four adults (ages 29, 35, 42 and 72) lost their lives, with a fifth adult’s age not disclosed. Two people were reported injured.
Authorities suspect the fire was set deliberately, with local media linking it to prior extortion attempts against the family’s mattress‑manufacturing business and electric‑motorcycle ownership.
According to a government news agency Andina report, witnesses said unknown perpetrators ignited motorcycles parked outside, which rapidly consumed the flammable mattress‑making material. The flames spread into the building.
Andina confirmed that seven family members escaped unharmed.
An Infobae article noted that the criminals may have set the fire after extortion demands.
The police wrote that victims’ bodies were burned beyond recognition, prompting an urgent investigation into the site, and the National Police issued a statement expressing nationwide mourning.
For further details, see the original coverage from Andina and Infobae.
