In brief
A fire in a home in Lima’s La Victoria district claimed the lives of 10 family members, including five children in the age range of 3 to 15. Police suspect the blaze was set by arsonists following extortion demands made to the family’s mattress‑manufacturing business. Seven relatives managed to escape, but the bodies were burned beyond recognition. The incident has sparked an investigation into criminal activity in the area.
A gruesome blaze in the southern La Victoria district of Lima has left 10 members of a single family dead, including five children aged between three and 15, according to Peruvian police.
According to Gen. Oscar Arriola of the National Police, the fire struck the property early Wednesday morning and quickly consumed the building. Five children, four adults and a fifth adult whose age was not specified were among those who lost their lives; two others were reported injured.
Police are investigating the possibility of arson, following reports that the family—known for manufacturing mattresses and owning electric motorcycles—had received threats and demands for extortion payments in recent weeks. Neighbors recall seeing unknown individuals set fire to motorcycles parked outside, with flames spreading rapidly through the highly flammable mattress‑making materials.
Seventeen members of the family were inside at the time the blaze began at 03:00 local time (08:00 GMT), but seven managed to escape. The victims’ bodies were burned beyond recognition, and the National Police released a statement underscoring the nation’s mourning after this tragedy.
Arriola detailed the ages of the victims: children aged three, six, six, eight and 15; adults aged 29, 35, 42 and 72. The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
