Tragedy at Pitrufquén care home: 16 elderly people die in fire

At least 16 elderly people died last night following a tragic fire at the "El Edén" long-term care facility for the elderly (ELEAM), located at kilometer 21 of Route S-70 in Villa Comuy, within the municipality of Pitrufquén.

Firefighters from both local urban centers and neighboring cities responded to fight the blaze, but all efforts to save those trapped inside—surrounded by smoke and flames—proved futile.

"On September 11 of this year, at approximately 10:08 PM, a fire broke out in the locality of Comuy—specifically on Route S-70 near the 31-kilometer mark, where the 'El Edén' nursing home was located. As a result of this fire, 16 people died; their bodies were incinerated by the flames", the regional prosecutor's office reported.

Prosecutor Jorge Granada, having arrived at the scene with the Organized Crime and Homicide Team (ECOH), confirmed the fatalities. He stated that investigations would be conducted to determine the living conditions of the deceased residents and to establish whether the facility held the necessary operating permits.

Specialized units from OS-9 and Labocar (police) are working at the site, while the perimeter remains secured by Public Order Control (COP) personnel.