A brutal arson blaze in the southern district of La Victoria in Lima killed 10 members of a single family, including five children, according to police officials.
Gen. Oscar Arriola of the Peruvian National Police confirmed the tragedy, saying the fire erupted early Wednesday morning, devastating the family's apartment and surrounding building.
Victims ranged from three to 15 years old for the children and 29 to 72 years old for the adults. A fifth adult, whose age was not disclosed, also lost their life. Two other occupants were reported injured.
Investigators suspect the fire was set deliberately by arsonists who had previously threatened the household over extortion demands. The family manufactured mattresses and owned electric motorcycles, and neighbours reported that unknown individuals set motorbikes on fire near the property, igniting highly flammable mattress‑making materials.
Reporting by the government news agency Andina quoted neighbour accounts that the flame started on parked motorcycles and then spread across the apartment. Police say the bodies were burned beyond recognition.
An official statement from the National Police lamented the tragedy: “Today, all Peru falls silent in the face of a tragedy that plunges our nation into mourning,” the statement read.
Authorities will maintain significant presence around the scene to protect property from further criminal acts, and investigations into the motives and perpetrators continue.
