According to police, a fire in the southern La Victoria district of Lima killed 10 family members, including five children, early on Wednesday; Gen Oscar Arriola from the Peruvian National Police confirmed the incident to local media.

Tragedy Strikes in Lima

The blaze occurred at 03:00 local time (08:00 GMT) and quickly spread through the property. Five children, aged between three and 15 years old, were among those killed, along with four adults aged between 29 and 72, and a fifth adult whose age was not disclosed. Two individuals were also reportedly injured during the incident.

Police are currently investigating reports that the fire was started by arsonists. Local media have reported that the family, known for manufacturing mattresses and owning electric motorcycles, had previously received threats and demands for extortion payments.

Flammable Materials and External Threats

According to a report by the government news agency Andina, neighbors reported that unknown individuals had set fire to motorcycles parked outside the house. The flames then spread rapidly through the flammable mattress-making materials inside the home.

Infobae news site reported that 17 family members were inside the building when the fire started. However, seven individuals managed to escape the blaze. Police have listed the exact ages of the victims, with the children being aged three, six, six, eight, and 15. The adults were aged 29, 35, 42, and 72.

Grieving Nation and Ongoing Investigation

Gen Arriola stated that the victims’ bodies were burned beyond recognition. The National Police of Peru released a statement expressing national grief, saying, “Today, all of Peru falls silent in the face of a tragedy that plunges our nation into mourning.”

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire and the potential involvement of arsonists. The case has sparked widespread concern and mourning across the country.