A devastating fire in a low-income neighbourhood of Lima has killed ten people and destroyed two properties, civil defence officials in Peru confirmed on Wednesday.
Two additional residents sustained injuries during the blaze and were taken to hospital for treatment, according to the Civil Defence Institute.
Family members confirmed that nine of the victims belonged to a single family, including five adults and five children.
Police chief Oscar Arriola verified the casualties, noting that five minors were among the deceased as forensic teams gathered evidence at the scene.
A formal investigation is currently underway to establish the precise origin and cause of the tragedy.
Local media outlets reported that extortionists targeting nearby businesses may have intentionally set the fire, a growing safety concern in the capital.
Lead investigator Colonel John Lujan confirmed that detectives are exploring whether the blaze was a deliberate attack linked to local extortion networks.
Survivor Gina Vilchez described her escape to journalists, explaining that she managed to lead her children to safety as the flames spread through the building.
Of the seventeen people residing in the dwelling, seven managed to escape while ten perished inside, despite frantic rescue attempts by neighbours.
Peru president-elect Keiko Fujimori visited the site on Wednesday, offering condolences to the surviving relatives and describing the loss of life as a terrible tragedy.
The president-elect stated that restoring public safety and order across urban communities will form the immediate focus of her incoming administration.
