A faulty air-conditioning unit sparked a deadly fire at a children’s orphanage in Algeria’s capital, killing 11 people, according to police.

Forensic investigators said the air conditioner had been running continuously during a period of extreme summer heat before an electrical spark reportedly triggered the blaze in the early hours of Thursday.

The fire broke out at a children’s care home in Mohammadia, an eastern suburb of Algiers.

Algeria’s civil protection department said 19 people were injured in the fire. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said children were among those who died.

Firefighters battled the flames for at least three hours before bringing the situation under control.

A carer working at the orphanage was also among those killed, according to a police report cited by AFP.

Survivors were taken to hospitals for treatment for burns, smoke inhalation, and shock.

Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited survivors at two hospitals as investigations into the tragedy continued.