Another 30 people were injured. The cause of the fire is unknown
Seven people have died after a fire broke out in an apartment building in the social area of Moulins in Nice, southeastern France, the city’s firefighters said. Despite considerable resources being mobilized, “seven people unfortunately died” in the early morning fire.
The dead included three children aged five, seven and ten, and a 17-year-old boy who tried to escape through a window.
A good cow’s newspaper A fire broke out in the apartment and two people tried to escape through the window. The teenager did not survive and a 47-year-old man was hospitalized in a critical condition.
At least 30 people were injured, according to Nice’s president, Christian Estrozzi.
“It is a tragedy. We are very emotional. The human toll is very high. Apart from the victims, around thirty people have been treated for smoke inhalation injuries. We are on site with the necessary means to provide treatment. And provide psychological support to the citizens”, said Estrosi, whose family died in the fire. “The fire may have started on the lower floor of the apartment,” he said.
The president added that “necessary residents will be relocated.”
L’incendi dramatic aux moulins que a cote la vie a 7 people after the overwhelming emotion. Plusieur enfants potrouint être parmi les victims. A person is in a complete hurry. Toutes mes pensées vont vers les Family et proches des victims.
— Christian Estrosi (@cestrosi) July 18, 2024
According to the president of the Chamber of Alpes-Maritimes, Hugues Mauto, the apartment was occupied by “a family of clearly Comorian origin” and “10 people” when the fire broke out. [estavam] inside”.
Three masked men were found in the building
The cause of this morning’s fire, which broke out on the seventh floor of a building in a working-class neighborhood in the city, is still unknown and an investigation into “criminal activity” has been opened. According to City Attorney Damien Martinelli, Quoted by Le FigaroCriminal involvement is suspected.
“In the light of the first indications, I have started an investigation into arson with death. We are investigating arson”, the prosecutor said.
Speaking to journalists, the Vice President of Nice, Anthony Borre, revealed that three masked men were seen in the building.
“I have every reason to believe that this drama is the result of a criminal act. The mobilization of cameras and scientific police will allow the investigation to be made quickly. The public prosecutor’s office confirmed that all leads were mobilized. We saw three masks. I do not know which family they targeted, the family on the 2nd floor saw these things. The public prosecutor’s office is there to clarify,” Borey said.
At this time, the criminal path was privileged. Nous avons des images qui montrent 3 individus cagoulés s’introduire dans le bâtiment juste avant les faits. Avec @cestrosiNous demandes des Moines incognise four securiser le quartier face a des faits d’une delle Barbary. https://t.co/7GHSH2seup
— Anthony Borre (@antony_borre) July 18, 2024
And the mayor of Nice said that before the fire, “people with balaclavas would have been seen nearby, in the area”.
One of the family members is involved in drug trafficking and has been on the run for the past few days, a newspaper in Nice reported.
President Emmanuel Macron used X to send messages to victims’ families and thank emergency services.
“Emotion with Nice after the terrible fire in the neighborhood of Moulins. I would like to thank the state services and the emergency services for their action. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. We are on your side and on the side of all the residents of Nice. We are united”, He wrote.
72 firefighters from 25 vehicles were at the scene.
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