7 Dead in Devastating France Fire

Deadly inferno in France claims 7 lives...

A devastating fire in Nice, France claims 7 lives, including 3 children, amid suspicions of arson. Investigators launch probe into intentional blaze, as rescue efforts save many but leave 20 displaced. Read the latest updates on this tragic incident.

A catastrophic fire ravaged an apartment building in Nice, southern France, in the early hours of Thursday, July 18, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives, including three children aged 5, 7, and 10, and a 17-year-old teenager who attempted to escape by jumping from a window.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the blaze, suspecting possible arson as the cause. The victims were reportedly members of a family of Comorian origin. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning in a low-income neighborhood in Nice, France, trapping 10 people inside the seventh-floor apartment in Les Moulins, an area known for drug activity.

Rescuers responded to the emergency at around 2:30 am, but unfortunately, seven people lost their lives in the fire, according to firefighters. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledged the tragic loss, but highlighted the swift arrival of firefighters, which likely prevented even more fatalities.

The prosecutor in Nice, Damien Martinelli, said investigators believe the fire was intentionally set. He stated, “Based on the evidence, I have launched an investigation into arson resulting in death.”

“The fire likely started on the second floor and spread to higher floors. Rescue teams reported that three people were hospitalized, one with critical injuries.

“Firefighters faced a huge fire on the seventh floor of the building. They used long ladders to rescue people from windows and helped many escape.”

A massive response effort was deployed to combat the fire, with 25 fire trucks and 72 firefighters working tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

In the aftermath of the blaze, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi established a specialized support center to assist the 20 individuals who were displaced from their homes. This center provides essential resources and support to those affected by the fire, helping them to navigate the difficult circumstances.