A devastating fire in the southern La Victoria district of Lima on Wednesday claimed the lives of ten people, police reported, including five children aged 3‑15.
The blaze erupted at about 3:00 a.m., spreading quickly through the family’s home, where mattresses were manufactured and electric motorcycles parked. The flames set the mattresses alight and then ignited the motorcycles.
Police suspect arson after the family had received threats and demands for extortion payments. Seven members survived, but ten others were found burned beyond recognition.
According to the National Police, the victims were five children (3, 6, 6, 8, 15) and five adults (29, 35, 42, 72, and an unnamed adult). Two people were injured.
The tragedy has plunged the nation into mourning, the police said.
