At least ten people, including five children aged 3, 6, 6, 8, and 15, were killed in a devastating fire that destroyed two homes in the La Victoria district of Lima, Peru. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on July 22, 2026, and spread rapidly through the neighborhood. Peruvian police chief Oscar Arriola confirmed that nine of the victims belonged to the Vilchez family, while the identity of the tenth victim remains undisclosed.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the tragedy, with forensic experts currently analyzing evidence collected from the scene. While the official cause of the fire is still under investigation, local media reports suggest that arson is the primary theory. These reports indicate that the area has been plagued by extortion rings, which had previously targeted a nearby electric scooter rental business. Investigations into these potential criminal links are ongoing as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding the blaze.