A fire which began in an apartment building in a suburb to the east of Lyon has killed at least 10 people, including five children.
Some 14 people have also been injured including four in a critical condition, the prefecture has said. Two firefighters were among those suffering mild injuries.
The children killed in the blaze were aged between three and 15, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has reported, adding that the incident was a “shock”.
Terrible incendie à Vaulx-en-Velin. Le bilan provisoire s'élève à 10 personnes décédées, dont 5 enfants. J'adresse toutes mes condoléances aux familles et proches des victimes. Nous nous rendons sur place ce matin avec @OlivierKlein93. https://t.co/0SX2yQCpWr
— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) December 16, 2022
The fire began around 03:00 this morning (December 16) and an alert was sent out at 03:12, the prefecture has said. The seven-storey building is located in an area called Mas du Taureau in Vaulx-en-Velin, a commune of around 50,000 people.
Although the fire has now been put out, there were still around 170 firefighters deployed this morning, and the area has been cordoned off.
The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, and an investigation has now been opened, with “several theories” to be considered, according to Mr Darmanin.
Incendie de Vaulx-en-Velin: "Une enquête préliminaire a été ouverte par le parquet de Lyon", selon Sébastien Gendraud (Unité SGP Police du Rhône) pic.twitter.com/ky08FaZ6L3
— BFMTV (@BFMTV) December 16, 2022
It is thought that the flames began on the ground floor and then spread upwards, the BBC reports.
Cities and Housing Minister Olivier Klein has described the news as a “provisional death toll [which] sends a shiver down one’s spine”.
Un violent incendie s'est déclaré cette nuit à Vaulx-en-Velin. Le bilan provisoire fait froid dans le dos.
— Olivier Klein (@OlivierKlein93) December 16, 2022
Je me suis entretenu avec @HeleneGeoffroy pour l'assurer du soutien de l'Etat.
Je me rends sur place dès ce matin pour être aux côtés des habitants, des élus et des secours. pic.twitter.com/7tVPF8t5tZ
A ‘nombreuses victimes’ (numerous victims) plan has been put in place, with hospitals placed on high alert, emergency response teams mobilised and the prefecture triggering a crisis team.
A local resident told Le Progres de Lyon newspaper: "I was awakened by the screams... We wanted to help people but the smoke was too heavy. I saw a dead woman... It's dramatic."
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