16 killed in Chile's nursing home fire

SANTIAGO -- At least 16 people were killed after a fire broke out on Friday evening at a nursing home in southern Chile, local media reported on Saturday.

"Around 10:30 pm (0130 GMT Sept 12), a fire broke out, and only 10 people living in the nursing home were evacuated, and we must lament the deaths of 16 people," a police officer said.

Fire companies and medical teams, as well as neighboring communes, were dispatched to the scene to fight the blaze, local media reported, while the injured were taken to hospitals.

Firefighters, police officers and local municipal personnel were clearing debris and securing the area through the early morning. An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire.