A fire broke out in an apartment building early Thursday in Nice, a city in southern France, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven individuals. Authorities are investigating the possibility that the fire was deliberately set.
Among the deceased are three children aged 5, 7, and 10, as well as a 17-year-old teenager who attempted to escape by jumping from a window, officials reported.
The apartment was home to a family believed to have origins from Comoros, a nation located in southern Africa, according to regional prefect Hugues Moutouh.
At the time of the fire, there were ten people inside the apartment.
Rescuers responded to the fire alarm around 2:30 am (0030 GMT), which originated on the seventh floor of a building located in the Les Moulins neighbourhood, known for its reputation as a hub for drug dealing in the western part of Nice.
Despite significant efforts deployed, firefighters tragically reported that seven individuals lost their lives in the blaze.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledged on social media that the swift response of firefighters “likely prevented further casualties.”
Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli indicated that investigators are considering a potential criminal cause for the fire.
“Based on initial findings, I have initiated an investigation into suspected arson resulting in fatalities,” he informed reporters at the scene.
Authorities stated that the fire likely started on the second floor of the building and then spread to higher levels.
Rescuers mentioned that three individuals were transported to the hospital, one of whom sustained life-threatening injuries.
Firefighters encountered a severe blaze engulfing an apartment on the seventh floor, requiring three aerial ladder rescues and the evacuation of numerous residents.
A total of 25 fire engines and 72 firefighters were deployed to combat the fire.
Twenty individuals were relocated to a temporary shelter, with Mayor Christian Estrosi announcing the establishment of a crisis unit to support those affected by the fire.
