Fire kills eight babies in Algeria hospital

123rf

A fire has ripped through a maternity hospital in eastern Algeria early Tuesday, killing at least eight babies.

Officials said they managed to "rescue 11 babies, 107 women and 28 staff".

The deaths were caused by "burns and smoke inhalation", they said, adding that the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Dozens of fire engines were deployed to bring the blaze under control. 

It's the second blaze to hit the maternity hospital in Oued Souf in 18 months. 

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