Aerial Footage Shows Large Fire Burning in Lima Amid Protests

A fire erupted near Lima’s Plaza San Martin on Thursday night, January 19, amid anti-government protests in the city.

Aerial footage released by the National Police of Peru shows the blaze burning near Plaza San Martin.

Peru’s Interior Ministry said the cause of the fire that engulfed a building “during the protests” was unknown but that no injuries had been reported.

Earlier on Thursday, the Peruvian Ombudsman’s Office said 13 people were taken to hospital with injuries during clashes between protesters and police in Lima.

Meanwhile in Arequipa, the office confirmed that one person had been killed and ten others were injured in the protests.

Demonstrations erupted across Peru in December 2022 following the impeachment and arrest of former President Pedro Castillo after he attempted to dissolve congress due to corruption. Peru’s congress voted to impeach Castillo and he was detained that day for “rebellion and conspiracy,” according to Peru’s Public Ministry.

Vice President Dina Boluarte was then sworn in as president. Protesters have taken to the streets to denounce Boluarte and demand Castillo be reinstated.

A 30-day state of emergency remained in place for multiple regions, including Lima, in response to the ongoing protests. Credit: National Police of Peru via Storyful

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