# Fire kills 16 at a Chilean nursing home

> A night blaze at the El Edén home in southern Chile killed 16 elderly residents and forced a national safety review.
- Title: Fire kills 16 at a Chilean nursing home · BBC News | Shortify
- Summary: A night blaze at the El Edén home in southern Chile killed 16 elderly residents and forced a national safety review. Sixteen elderly residents died in an…
- Keywords: chile, care homes, fire, elderly, public safety, news, world, kills, Chilean, nursing, home, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4zpp20w77o
- Published: 2026-09-12T19:36:50.9+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chile, care homes, fire, elderly, public safety, news, world
## Sixteen residents died
At least 16 elderly residents were killed by a fire at the El Edén nursing home in southern Chile, roughly 640km south of Santiago. Ten others got out.
## It started at night
The blaze broke out around 22:30 local time on Friday evening. Crews did not fully extinguish it until Saturday morning.
## Cause still unknown
Prosecutor Jorge Granada, who is leading the case, said it is not yet clear what caused the fire.
## President orders a review
José Antonio Kast said he has ordered a review of conditions at nursing homes across Chile, focused on where oversight or prevention failed.

> We need to know the truth and, based on that, correct whatever is necessary
## A collapsed building
On Saturday, firefighters were still clearing debris and pulling away collapsed corrugated metal roofing. Police cordoned off the site for safety.
## A town in mourning
Local mayor Jacqueline Romero said support is being provided to the victims' families.

> It is a situation that fills our souls with great sorrow and pain
## Key takeaway

Sixteen elderly residents died in an overnight fire at El Edén in southern Chile, and the president has ordered a nationwide review of care home oversight.