A woman stands accused of deliberately starting a devastating fire that tore through an Arizona daycare centre, sending children and staff scrambling to safety as flames consumed the building.
The Yuma Police Department has charged 39-year-old Leticia Llamas with multiple offences including arson of an occupied structure and criminal damage, following the terrifying incident that unfolded on Tuesday afternoon.
Chaotic Scene as Flames Engulf Building
Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving multiple distress calls reporting the daycare facility ablaze. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as thick black smoke billowed from the building while caregivers hurriedly evacuated young children from the premises.
"The fire originated in multiple locations, indicating a deliberate act of arson," stated a police spokesperson. "We're fortunate this didn't end in tragedy given the number of young children present."
Dramatic Footage Captures Inferno
Shocking footage from the scene shows flames raging through the single-storey building as firefighters battle to contain the blaze. The intensity of the fire caused significant structural damage, with parts of the roof collapsing under the extreme heat.
Fire crews worked tirelessly to prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent properties in the residential neighbourhood, eventually bringing the inferno under control after a strenuous battle.
Investigation Reveals Disturbing Details
Police investigations quickly pointed towards Llamas as the prime suspect. Court documents reveal she allegedly used an accelerant to start the fire in multiple areas of the building, significantly increasing the speed at which the flames spread.
The suspect, who resides in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico, was apprehended near the scene and now faces serious legal consequences for her alleged actions.
Authorities have confirmed that all children and staff members escaped physical injury, though many are reportedly traumatised by the harrowing experience of fleeing the burning building.
The daycare centre remains closed indefinitely as structural engineers assess the damage, leaving many local families without childcare arrangements.
