A suspected arson attack in La Victoria, Lima, killed 10 members of one family — including five children aged 3, 6, 6, 8 and 15 — after a fire broke out around 03:00 local time. Seventeen people were inside; seven escaped and two were injured. Neighbours say motorcycles parked outside were set alight and flames spread through mattress-making materials. Police are investigating possible arson and an alleged extortion motive.
Suspected Arson in Lima Kills 10 Family Members, Including Five Children
Police said they would maintain a significant presence in the area to protect the property from "criminal acts" [ANDINA/ Luis Iparraguirre]
A devastating house fire in Lima's La Victoria district early Wednesday has killed 10 members of a single family, including five children, Peruvian police said.
The blaze ripped through the property at about 03:00 local time (08:00 GMT), Gen. Oscar Arriola of the Peruvian National Police told local media. Police reported that five children — aged 3, 6, 6, 8 and 15 — and four adults aged 29, 35, 42 and 72 died. A fifth adult victim was also reported; authorities did not provide that person's age.
Seventeen family members were inside the building when the fire started; seven managed to escape and two people sustained injuries, according to local reports and Infobae.
Suspected Arson and Extortion Link
Officers are investigating claims the blaze was deliberately set. Neighbours and local outlets have reported that unknown individuals set electric motorcycles parked outside the home on fire, and that flames spread rapidly through highly flammable materials used in the family's mattress-manufacturing business.
"Today, all of Peru falls silent in the face of a tragedy that plunges our nation into mourning," the National Police of Peru said in a statement.
Gen. Arriola added that the victims' bodies were burned beyond recognition. Investigators are examining possible links to reported threats and extortion demands received by the family, and have not yet confirmed a motive.
Authorities have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
Help us improve.
