Hidden Dangers
Investigators are still determining the exact cause, but early reports suggest an unauthorized fireworks workshop may have accelerated the blaze. Improperly stored flammable chemicals and devices could have amplified the fire, highlighting the risks posed by informal, home-based businesses operating in dense residential areas. The tragedy underscores the precarious nature of Lima’s hillside settlements: overcrowded homes, flammable materials, limited infrastructure, and unsafe underground activities create a perfect storm for disaster.
Firefighters faced immense obstacles. Narrow streets and steep inclines hampered access, while homes stacked closely together forced crews to extend hoses hundreds of meters uphill. Volunteers rushed to assist, evacuating children and the elderly while attempting to salvage belongings. Despite these challenges, coordinated efforts eventually brought the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby neighborhoods.
Devastation and Loss Continue reading…
