At least 16 killed in nursing home fire in southern Chile

At least 16 people have died after a major fire broke out at a nursing home near the southern Chilean city of Pitrufquén, local authorities said.

The fire broke out at around 10:30 p.m. local time on September 12, engulfing the retirement facility, Mirror reports. 

Only 10 people were evacuated from the building in time. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Pitrufquén Mayor Jaqueline Romero said the 10 people who were rescued were taken to hospital for evaluation.

“Ten elderly people were rescued, taken to the hospital and are being evaluated,” Romero said.

Pitrufquén prosecutor Jorge Granada said 26 adults were inside the building when the fire broke out, although not all of them were elderly.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly blaze.

By Sabina Mammadli