Seven people, including three young children and a teenager, tragically lost their lives in a fire early Thursday morning in Nice, France.
Local authorities are investigating the blaze as a potential arson attack. The Nice mayor reported having clear evidence of hooded individuals using petrol to ignite the fire in a stairwell during the night.
The fire engulfed the upper floors of an apartment building in the Moulins area, near the city’s airport.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the presence of young children among the victims. He vowed that police would “shed light on the circumstances of this terrible tragedy.”
The fire originated on the seventh floor. Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli, citing initial findings, announced the opening of an investigation into arson as the cause of death.
Local media reports suggest that all seven victims belonged to the same family. The deceased children were reportedly aged five, seven, and ten. A teenager, two women, and a man also perished in the fire.
Horrifically, two family members attempted escape through a window. One individual died, while the other is in critical condition.
A witness, Iftahou, recounted arriving at the scene during the fire and realizing the hopelessness of the situation for those trapped inside.
The head of the Comorian community in southern France, Najim Maecha, identified the family and confirmed their residence in Nice since around 2013.
Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi lamented the high human cost of the disaster. In addition to the seven fatalities, 30 people suffered from smoke inhalation.
“I’ve requested the deployment of security forces by the interior minister,” stated Estrosi. “This is to ensure resident safety and prevent further incidents following this tragedy, investigated as potential arson.”
