A fire in Lima, Peru, killed ten members of the same family, including five children, early Wednesday morning. The blaze broke out around 3 a.m. local time in the La Victoria district, according to local media.
Victims and survivors
Peruvian National Police Commander General Oscar Arriola confirmed the victims: five children aged 3, 6, 6, 8, and 15, and five adults aged 29, 35, 42, and 72. Seventeen people were inside when the fire started, but only seven escaped, the Infobae news agency reported.
The police chief stated that the victims' remains were burned beyond recognition. Officers are investigating whether the fire was deliberately set after neighbors reported unknown individuals setting electric motorcycles ablaze outside the property.
Possible arson and investigation
The flames spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials used in the family's mattress manufacturing business, hampering escape, according to the Andina news agency. Neighbors said the family owned electric motorcycles and had faced threats and extortion demands for about a month before the fire.
The Peruvian National Police's Fire Investigation Department, along with forensic specialists, is working to determine the fire's origin, escalation, and cause. Suspected arson allegations are under active investigation by police and prosecutors. Family members noted that security camera footage from a nearby residence could help investigators.
The site remains sealed off as forensic specialists examine the scene to identify victims and establish the cause. In a statement, Peru's National Police said: "Today, all of Peru falls silent in the face of a tragedy that plunges our nation into mourning."
